King Johan: Analysis of Major Characters
"King Johan: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex interplay of characters within the narrative, primarily focusing on themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal set against the backdrop of the struggles between a king and the Church of Rome. Central to the story is King Johan, who embodies both compassion for his oppressed subjects and a tragic vulnerability to betrayal, ultimately leading to his demise. He surrenders his crown in a bid to protect his people but is met with treachery, highlighting the pervasive corruption surrounding him.
Supporting characters include the fickle Nobility, who abandon Johan out of fear, and the corrupt Clergy, who break their oaths with little remorse. The Commonalty, representing the downtrodden populace, is depicted as lost and disillusioned due to the Church’s exploitation. Sedition and Dissimulation serve as antagonistic forces, agents of the Church of Rome whose actions contribute significantly to Johan's downfall. Verity emerges as a redemptive figure striving to restore truth and justice, while Imperial Majesty symbolizes a potential resolution to the chaos instigated by the Church’s influence. This analysis invites exploration of each character's motivations and the broader societal implications of their actions in the narrative.
King Johan: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Bale
First published: 1538
Genre: Play
Locale: England
Plot: Historical
Time: Early thirteenth century
England, a poor widow, persecuted by agents of the Church of Rome. She is sorely distressed at her own hardships and those of her king, which end with his defeat and ultimate death by poisoning. She is saved from her wretchedness when Verity brings in Imperial Majesty to overthrow her enemies.
King Johan, the champion of the oppressed widow and enemy of the Church of Rome. He lays aside his anger at the corrupt clergy and domination from overseas in compassion for his people. To spare them the horrors of war, he surrenders his crown to Usurped Power (Pope Innocent III) and receives it from him as a vassal of the Church. Too trusting, he shares a poisoned cup with Dissimulation and dies, lamenting the fate of his poor people.
Nobility, the king's shaky supporter. Fearful of the power of Rome, he deserts his rightful ruler. After Johan's death, Nobility is brought back into the fold by Verity.
Clergy, the king's corrupt, unwilling follower. He swears loyalty with reluctance and breaks his oath with joy. He also reforms and serves Imperial Majesty.
Civil Order, another unreliable follower. He too deserts the king in the crisis. He returns when Imperial Majesty becomes ruler.
Commonalty, the poor, blind, and ignorant child of the Widow England. His goods taken by the Church, and deprived of the Holy Scripture by the clergy, he too is found wanting and abandons his ruler.
Sedition (Stephen Langton), a corrupt and wittily foulmouthed agent of the Church of Rome. Sometimes appearing as the vice Sedition itself, he also assumes the person of Stephen Langton, archbishop of Canterbury. He is an active villain throughout the play and is finally hanged by command of Imperial Majesty.
Dissimulation (Simon of Swinsett), another agent of the Church, also part vice and part man. Willing to accept martyrdom to remove an enemy of the Church and expecting canonization for committing murder, he shares a cup of poison with King Johan, joining his victim in death.
Private Wealth (Cardinal Pandulphus), a strong supporter of Usurped Power and a harsh oppressor of England and tor-mentor of King Johan.
Usurped Power (Pope Innocent III), the most powerful of Johan's enemies.
Treason, a criminal protected by benefit of clergy.
Verity, a supporter and restorer of historical truth. He rebukes the defecters and gives England a savior, Imperial Majesty.
Imperial Majesty (perhaps Henry VIII), the destroyer of the usurping powers in England. He hangs Sedition and redeems the country.