English Monarchy: The House of Plantagenet

The family dynasty of Plantagenet descended from the county of Anjou in France. It was the Empress Matilda from the House of Norman who married Geoffrey Plantagenet of Anjou, to bring the name into English royalty. Their child, Henry II became king of England in 1154 and was technically the first of the Plantagenet dynasty to sit on the throne. However historians dispute that King Henry II and his two successors (King Richard and King John Lackland) were of French Angevin interest. Following the fall of the Angevin Empire in 1214, and the death of King John Lackland, the English Monarchy became more English in nature. Thus the Plantagenet era is often associated with the start of King Henry III in 1216.

It is a timely transition in English history where the kingdom grew in power. This was achieved thru campaigns of military aggression into Wales and Scotland on their western border and disputes with France on the east. The Hundred Years War lasted from 1337-1453 and made up a good portion of the Plantagenet era. The dynasty was also influential on the advancement of English society and culture. Notable artists such as Geoffrey Chaucer, (writer of the Canterbury Tales and considered the father of English literature), flourished during this time.

House of Plantagenet (1216-1399)



King Henry III

Reign: 1216-1272
Dynasty: House of Plantagenet
Marriage: Eleanor of Provence
Children: Edward I, Margaret, Beatrice, Edmund, Katherine
Historical Bio: He succeeded his father, King John, at the very young age of 9. The dispute of the Magna Carta and the Barons continued after the stalemate of the First Barons War. Once he was of age, King Henry began an ambitious reign. He led numerous military campaigns into France to regain loss territory however all were loss. He also initiated many building projects payed by charitable donations yet also heavy taxes. This lead to further rebellions and dissension among the nobles, which caused the Second Barons War from 1264-1267. The barons, led by Simon de Montford, were successful in capturing King Henry, however de Montford was later killed and defeated by King Henry's son, Prince Edward at the Battle of Evesham. Henry spent his last years rebuilding his kingdom from the damages of the civil war until he died in 1272. He is the fourth longest reigning English monarch at 56 years as king.  

King Edward Longshanks

Reign: 1272-1307
Dynasty: House of Plantagenet
Marriage: Eleanor of Castille
Children: Eleanor, Joan, Alphonso, Margaret, Mary, Elizabeth, Edward II, Thomas, Edmund
Historical Bio: He was the son of King Henry II, and a well respected military leader, who succeeded his father as king, on his journey home from the 9th Crusade. His reign was made up of various military campaigns, beginning with a total conquest of Wales from 1277 to 1283. Following his conquest of Wales, he declared lordship over Scotland, which lead to the First War of Scottish Independence from 1296-1328. The Scottish were defiant in submitting to English rule, and through the leadership of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace were able to maintain their independence. This war continued after Edward's death, and his weak son Edward II was left with the conflict as well as many financial troubles.

King Edward II

Reign: 1307-1327
Dynasty: House of Plantagenet
Marriage: Isabella of France
Children: Edward III, John, Eleanor, Joan, Adam
Historical Bio: He was the 2nd eldest son of King Edward, and succeeded his father as king in the midst of heavy conflict. He married Queen Isabella of France as an effort to ease tensions with the French kingdom. His reign is often criticized for his unpopular relations with the nobles as well as weak leadership. In 1314 his army suffered a decisive defeat to the Scottish armies of Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn. Following his failed campaigns in Scotland, a great Famine occurred from 1315-1317. He had many noble enemies and put down numerous rebellions throughout his reign. However by 1325 his French wife, Isabella turned against and him. With the aid of the noble Roger Mortimer, she waged war on her husband and deposed of him. Edward II fled to Wales however was later captured and murdered. Roger Mortimer became the sitting ruler, until too was dethroned and murdered. The rightful heir, Edward's eldest son Edward III took to the throne in 1327.

King Edward III

Reign: 1327- 1377
Dynasty: House of Plantagenet
Marriage: Philippa of Hainault
Children: Edward, Isabella, Joan, Lionel, John, Edmund, Mary, Margaret, Thomas
Historical Bio: He was the eldest son of Edward II, and took the throne at the young age of 14. He quickly deposed of the sitting ruler and noblemen, Roger Mortimer, to become the undisputed king. Thru victories against the nobles and the Scottish he quickly established himself as a powerful leader. In the year 1337, he began a military campaign against the French, which became the start of the Hundred Years War. By 1346 his army had landed in Normandy and defeated King Philip in the Battle of Crecy. From 1346-1353 his country was devastated by the Black Death. The war continued however with his decisive victory against the French at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. This eventually lead to the Treaty of Bretigny in 1360, which secured English dominance of French territory. (It would only last for 9 years however until the war resumed) In his 50 year reign King Edward III established England as one of the strongest powers in Europe.

King Richard II
Reign: 1377-1399
Dynasty: House of Plantagenet
Marriage: No Marriage or children
Historical Bio: He was the grandson of King Edward III, and son of Edward the Black Prince. Since his father died before the death of his grandfather King Edward III, he assumed the throne as next male heir in line. Early in his reign, at the age of 14, he faced a major rebellion known as the Peasants Revolt of 1381. He was able to suppress the uprising and murder all it's leaders. His throne was challenged in 1387 by aristocrat nobles, known as the Lords' Appellant. He murdered many of the noble leaders who opposed him. However in 1399, Henry of Bollingbroke, the son of an exiled nobleman, sought revenge for his father's murder at the king's hands and waged a successful coup of the throne. King Richard II was deposed at the hands of Henry of Bollingbroke, who went on to rule as King Henry IV.

House of Lancaster (1399-1471) 

King Henry IV

Reign: 1399-1413
Dynasty: House of Lancaster
Marriage: Marry de Bohun, Joan of Navarre
Children: Henry V, Thomas, John, Humphrey, Blanche,
Historical Bio: He was the grandson of King Edward III, who avenged his exiled father, John of Gaunt, by deposing the sitting king Richard II. His early reign consisted of many rebellions from noblemen and the Welsh. By 1408 he had gained control of his kingdom, however suffered from sickness until his death. During his final years, many of his responsibilities passed on to his eldest son Henry V, who would go on to succeed him.

King Henry V

Reign: 1413-1422
Dynasty: House of Lancaster
Marriage: Catherine of Valois
Children: Henry VI

Historical Bio: He was the eldest son of Henry IV and succeeded his father to the throne. He was well experienced in military leadership having defeated many rebellions during his father's reign. In 1415 he engaged his army against the French in what became the third and final stage of the Hundred Years War. He won a famous victory at the Battle of Agincourt and nearly had dominated France before his unexpected death in 1422. Before his death he married the French king Charles VI's daughter, Catherine of Valois, and their infant son Henry VI succeeded his father to the throne.

King Henry VI

Reign: 1422-1461; 1470-1471
Dynasty: House of Lancaster
Marriage: Margaret of Anjou
Children: Edward
Historical Bio: He was the only son of Henry V, and became ruler of both England and France at the age of 1. His reign was governed by regents until 1437 when he came of age. By this point the Hundred Years War began to shift to France's advantage thanks to their leadership of Joan of Arc. By 1453 Henry VI had lost control of the northern French territories as well as his reign over the French Kingdom, which marked an end Hundred Years War. Upon returning to his sole kingdom of England, he began to slip into a madness and his wife Margaret took over his roles. In 1454 a new conflict arose within his kingdom, as the House of York began to dispute his right to the throne. This lead to a civil war of the nobles, known as the War of Roses. By 1461, the noble Duke of York, Edward IV, defeated the House of Lancaster at the Battle of Towton and assumed the throne for ten years. During this time Henry fled to Scotland with his wife, however would later return in 1470 to regain his throne. Henry was once again defeated however in 1471 by Edward IV at the Battle of Tewkesbury. Shortly after he was murdered in the tower of London, and the House of York laid claim to the throne once again.

House of York (1461-1485)

King Edward IV

Reign: 1461-1470; 1471-1483
Dynasty: House of York
Marriage: Elizabeth Woodville
Children: Elizabeth, Mary, Cecily, Edward V, Richard, Anne, George, Catherine, Bridget
Historical Bio: He was a nobleman from the House of York, who defeated King Henry VI twice throughout the War of Roses. He first ascended to the throne in 1461, however continued to deal with the civil war against the House of Lancaster. In 1470 he lost control of the throne back to King Henry VI, however returned again in 1471. Once King Henry VI was murdered, he lived out the remaining of his reign in peace. He is also known for establishing peace with France. He unexpectedly died in 1483 at the young age of 43, and his 12 year old son Edward succeeded him as king.

King Edward V

Reign: 1483
Dynasty: House of York
Marriage: No Marriage or children
Historical Bio: He succeeded his father Edward IV as king at the young age of 12 however was never crowned due to his very brief reign of only three months. His uncle, Richard, became the young king's protector however Richard had interests of his own to take the throne. King Edward and his brother Richard Shrewsbury, both heir apparents were mysteriously taken to the Tower of London and murdered, whilst Richard was able to ascend to the throne.

King Richard III

Reign: 1483-1485
Dynasty: House of York
Marriage: Anne Neville
Children: Edward, John
Historical Bio: He was the brother of King Edward IV and uncle to Edward V, who arguably usurped his ascension to the throne in 1483 with the mysterious disappearance of the young Edward V. As king he quickly attempted to bring peace among the nobles however there were still rebellions and further conflict. In 1485 he was finally defeated by the Lancastrians, at the Battle of Bosworth which brought a close to the War of Roses. Henry VII of Tudor killed the sitting king during the battle, thus ending the York dynasty, and beginning the Tudor dynasty. This marked a major transition in English history from the middle ages into it's Golden age. 

English Monarchy: The Norman Conquest

In the year 1066, the Anglo Saxon monarchy came to an abrupt end with the invasion by Duke WIlliam II of Normandy. He was a distant cousin of King Edward the Confessor, who had promised him the throne. After the death of King Edward, the House of Wessex had come to a close and the English monarchy was left without a legitimate heir. This led to much instability among the nobles and was the perfect time for foreign invasion. King Harold Godwinson took to the English helm and was able to fend off some early invasions from the Norweigen's, specifically at the victorious Battle of Stamford Bridge. However this battle in the north, limited the English armies in facing William's invasion from the south.

William had already established himself as a respected military commander and leader in northern France. His decision to invade England was supported by Henry IV of the Holy Roman Empire as well as Pope Alexander II. His army consisted of approximately 10,000 Norman, Breton, and French soldiers. His army arrived on September 28th and were eventually met by King Harold's force on October 14th near the outskirts of Hastings.

The ensuing Battle of Hastings, is often considered one of the most famous battles in English history. Although the English were exhausted from their march from the north, they had the battlefield advantage. It lasted from 9am until tusk, and was a very close fought battle, almost even in numbers, with attacks and counter-attacks on both ends. However once King Harold fell in battle the English moral was dampened and led them to retreat. William had won the battle and was able to lay claim to the throne of England. Although there were several rebellions that followed, he became the undisputed king on Christmas Day.

Norman Kings (1066-1154)

King William the Conqueror

Reign: 1066-1087
Dynasty: House of Norman
Marriage: Matilda of Flanders
Children: Robert Curthouse, Richard, William II, Cecilia, Henry I, Adeliza, Constance, Adela
Historical Bio: Following his successful invasion of the English monarchy, William ushered in a new dynasty over the English Kingdom. His reign consisted of continuous rebellions and uprisings, however he held strong to his throne with his military might. In 1086 he requested a census of the land, in what became known as the Domesday Book, it was essentially a survey of the nobles. He also began a castle building campaign, which would later become strongholds of the middle-ages.

King William II

Reign: 1087-1100
Dynasty: House of Norman
Marriage: No Marriage or Children
Historical Bio: He was the third son of William the Conqueror, he succeeded his father after his death. He was often referred to as William the Red for his odd demeanor of being both aggressive yet flamboyant. He was however successful in maintaining his father's conquest as well. He extended the kingdom into Wales, and established a strong influence in Scotland. His lack of an heir and his death during a hunting accident have often been a suspicious matter.

King Henry


Reign:1100-1135
Dynasty: House of Norman
Marriage: Matilda of Scotland, Adeliza
Children: Matilda, William Adelin, Robert, Alice, Gilbert, Sybilla, Reginald, Robert, Matilda
Historical Bio: He was the fourth son of William the Conqueror, who succeeded his brother William II after his death. King Henry was considered a well educated man and also fluent in English. He secured stability with Scotland by marrying the princess Matilda. His rule was however contested by his brother, Robert Curthouse which led to a series of wars with Normandy and conflicts with France. He managed to strengthen the kingdoms systems of justice, local government, and taxation. He had a conflict of heir when his eldest son, William Adelin, died in a shipwreck disaster.  He then intended for his daughter Matilda to succeed him however the conflict ensued after his death. His Nephew Stephen, from the House of Blois took the throne, which resulted in a civil war known as The Anarchy.

King Stephen

Reign: 1135-1154
Dynasty: House of Blois
Marriage: Matilda
Children: Eustace, Marie, William
Historical Bio: He was a nephew to King Henry, and took to the throne, following the king's death without a legitimate male heir. This succession was disputed by King Henry's eldest daughter Matilda, who was also an empress of the Holy Roman Empire, in an arranged marriage. The succession crisis boiled into a civil war, between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. For the most part Stephen was able to repel the attack, however lost a portion of the kingdom in 1141. Matilda declared herself Queen of the English, however this was disputed and only lasted for several months. She would eventually retire to Normandy, however the civil war continued over the disputed throne. Matilda's son, Henry from the House of Plantagenet, was not ready to put the matter to rest. Whilst the anarchy continued Stephen intended to ensure his eldest son, Eustace would succeed him as his heir and had him crowned as king during his lifetime. However following the early death of Eustace, the church intervened on establishing an agreement. Stephen was to finish he reign and then Henry, the son of Matilda would succeed him. In the year 1154 the Anarchy came to a close, with the death of King Stephen, and the succession of King Henry.

Angevin Kings (1154-1216)

King Henry II

Reign: 1154-1189
Dynasty: House of Angevin
Marriage: Eleanor of Aqutaine
Children: Geoffrey, William, Henry, Matilda, Richard, Eleanor, Joan, John
Historical Bio: He was the son of Empress Matilda and Geoffrey Plantagenet from the House of Anjou. He claimed the throne through an agreement with King Stephen following the civil dispute of the Anarchy. His reign was an ambitious one, re-establishing order and territories that were lost during the civil war, including Wales. He extended the English territories into parts of France, which would become later become known as the Angevin Empire. He is also remembered for his dispute with the English church and it's privileges, which lead to the murder of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. His children also shared his ambition, and there was much tension among the brothers of who should succeed their father. While Henry wanted his eldest son Henry the Young to become king, he was eventually supplanted by his strongest son Richard, who had the support of the French kingdom.

King Richard the Lionhearted

Reign: 1189-1199
Dynasty: House of Angevin
Marriage: Berengaria of Navarre
Children: Philip of Cognac
Historical Bio: He was the third son of Henry II, well respected for his military leadership, he was able to muscle his way to the throne, with the support of King Philip II of France. He is best associated for his military leadership of the Christian army during the Third Crusade. He lead his army on a march to Jerusalem and won many victories against the Muslim leadership of Saladin, however he did not conquer the land. His short reign was mostly spent outside the kingdom on military campaigns while his younger brother John was constantly scheming at the throne.

King John Lackland

Reign: 1199-1216
Dynasty: House of Angevin
Marriage: Isabella
Children: Henry VIII, Richard, Joan, Isabella, Eleanor
Historical Bio: He was the youngest son of King Henry II, and succeeded his elder brother King Richard after his death without an heir. The early part of his reign was focused on military campaigns against Normandy, that eventually fell to the control of King Philip II of France. With the collapse of his French territories and the Angevin Empire, King John Lackland began to raise heavy taxes on the people. This resulted in rebellions (such as the folk hero of Robin Hood) as well as much displeasure from the noble barons. This dispute was finally addressed in 1215 with the signing of the Magna Carta, which essentially took away rights from the monarchy while given more rights to the church, the nobles, and the people. However neither side were willing to concede their rights, which lead to the First Baron's War. In 1216 King John died and was succeeded by his young son Henry III. However the nobles invited their French allies to inherit the throne. King Louis VIII of France sat on the throne for a year, however it was a disputed illegitimate reign. At the end of the Baron's War, which ended in a stalemate, King Henry VIII was recognized as the rightful king of England.

English Monarchy: The Anglo Saxon Kings

With this recent inspiration from William Shakespeare, I think now is as good a time as ever to dive into a historical study of the English Monarchy. It's a topic I've wanted to write about for some time now, as English history has always fascinated me. Over the years I've gone through numerous phases of English appreciation, whether it be influenced from movies, literature, or their very popular English Premiere League.

English history has been an extremely eventful and significant one, at the forefront of civilization since the fall of the Roman Empire. In this post I intend to give a brief outline of the monarchs that reigned from the dawn of the English Kingdom to it's present United Kingdom. While this will ultimately be a study of English history, the focus will be on the kings and queens themselves.

This first section of monarchs will focus on England's Ango-Saxon era. By 450, following the fall of the Roman Empire, much of Europe consisted of barbaric tribes and vikings. One of these tribes were the Anglo-Saxons who began to settle in the land of Britain. With the rapid spread of Christianity this tribe began to develop into a powerful civilization. There were many strong leaders, such as Offa of Mercia, who helped defend and establish a society. However it was in 871, that the Kingdom of England took shape under the leadership of Alfred the Great. The House of Wessex maintained the English throne, with some Danish dispute, until the Norman Conquest of 1066.

The Anglo-Saxon Kings (871-1066)

King Alfred the Great

Reign: 871-899
Dynasty: House of Wessex
Marriage: Ealhswith
Children: Ethelflaed, Edward, Ethelgifu, Ethelweard, Elfthryth
Historical Bio: He was the youngest son of King Ethelwulf of the West Saxons. Following the death of his father in 858, his three elder brothers reigned in succession until the year 871 where he was crowned king. By this point Elfred had won many assaults from the Vikings, most notably at the Battle of Ashdown. He strengthened the kingdom with new military organization as well as a stronger infrastructure centered in London. By this point his vision of an English Kingdom was at full flight. In the final years of his reign, he continued to repel Viking assaults, thus garnered the title Alfred the Great.


King Edward the Eldar

Reign: 899-924
Dynasty: House of Wessex
Marriage: Ecgwynn, Ellflead, Eadgifu
Children: Ethelstan, Eadgifu, Elfweard, Eadgyth, Eadhild, Edmund, Eadred, Edburga
Historical Bio: He was the eldest son of King Alfred the Great and succeeded his father to the throne in 899. Who was well trained by his father and continued to repel attacks from the Danes as well as the Vikings. He extended the control of the kingdom into the lands of Mercia, East Anglia, and Essex.


King Ethelstan

Reign: 924-939
Dynasty: House of Wessex
Marriage: No Marriage or Children
Historical Bio: He was the son of King Edward and succeeded his father to the throne. In 927 he conquered the last of the vikings in York which made him the first Anglo Saxon ruler of all of England. He also waged war on Scotland in 934 and expanded his territories whilst repelling numerous attacks. He is highly regarded as one of the greatest of the Anglo Saxon kings for his territorial conquests as well as his furthering of the English society. After his death in 939, the Vikings were able to seize back control of York. He did not marry not had any children, and was succeeded by his brother, Edmund.

King Edmund

Reign: 939-946
Dynasty Name: House of Wessex
Marriage: Elfgifu, Ethelflead
Children: Eadwig, Edgar
Historical Bio: He was the son of King Edward the Elder, and succeeded his brother Athelstan to the throne. He was successful in repelling several raids from the Mercian Danes, however died at the young age of 25 and was succeeded by his brother, Eadred.

King Eadred

Reign: 946-955
Dynasty Name: House of Wessex
Marriage: No Marriage or Children
Historical Bio: He was the third son of King Edward the Elder to take the throne, after his brother's death. He also dealt with assaults in the north from the Danes. He did not get married or have any children, yet brought up his nephews, Edmund's children, as the rightful heirs to the throne.

King Eadwig
Reign: 955-959
Dynasty Name: House of Wessex
Historical Bio: He was the elder son of King Edmund, and took the throne at age 13, after the death of his uncle Eadred. His short reign consisted of family feuds and distension among the nobles.
Marriage: Elfgifu

King Edgar the Peaceful

Reign: 959-975
Dynasty Name: House of Wessex
Marriage: Elfthryth
Children: Edward, Eadgyth, Ethelred
Historical Bio: He was the younger son of King Edmund and succeeded his brother to the throne. His calmed dissension among the nobles, as well as the rebels, and his rule was acknowledged by all of Britain. His reign is marked as a peaceful time and a revival of the English monasteries. His wife, Elfthryth, was actually his third wife yet the first queen to be recognized and crowned as Queen of England.


King Edward the Martyr

Reign: 975-978
Dynasty Name: House of Wessex
Marriage: No Marriage or Children
Historical Bio: He was the eldest son of King Edgar, who succeeded his father to the throne, however it was a contested succession and a short reign. Many nobles argued that Edward was not the chosen heir of his father, yet this claim was to fall to his rightful son Ethelred. This distension nearly broke into civil war, and was the likely cause of Edward's assassination in 978.

King Ethelred the Unready

Reign: 978-1013; 1014-1016
Dynasty Name: House of Wessex
Marriage: Elfgifu, Emma
Children: Ethelstan, Edmund, Eadred, Eadwig, Edward, Alfred, Goda
Historical Bio: He was the son of King Edgar the Peaceful, and succeeded his brother Edward to the throne at the age of 10. However his claim to the throne was still very contested due to his young age, and the deposition of Edward. Due to this lack of unity, he was unable to fend of the Dane attacks. In 1013, the Danish King Sweyn successfully invaded England, and Ethelred fled his kingdom. He was however able to return back to throne after the death of the Danish king and peacefully repel the Danish occupation under the rule of Sweyn's son Cnut the Great.

King Sweyn Forkbeard

Reign: 1013-1014
Dynasty Name: House of Denmark
Marriage: Swietoslawa, Sigrid, Gunhild
Children: Harald, Cnut, Estrid
Historical Bio: He was the son of King Harald Bluetooth of Denmark, and revolted against his father in 985. He built up his army to invade the English kingdom, whilst it was vulnerable under the weak leadership of King Ethelred the Unready. In 1013 his invasion was successful, and Sweyn became king of England and Denmark, however he died shortly after and the throne was returned to Ethelred. However two years later, his son Cnut the Great would return with an invasion to the throne.

King Edmund Ironside

Reign: 1016
Dynasty Name: House of Wessex
Marriage: Ealdgyth
Children: Edward the Exile, Edmund
Historical Bio: He was the son of King Ethelred, whose short reign was disrupted by the Danish invasion. In 1016 the kingdom was once again invaded by the Danish armies, of Sweyn's son, Cnut the Great, who were once again successful in defeating the English army. Cnut allowed Edmund to remain ruler of Wessex, however after his death, Cnut become king of all England (as well as Denmark, Norway, and parts of Sweden). Edmund's nickname Ironside came from his valiant effort in several battles to repel the Danish attack.


King Cnut the Great

Reign: 1016-1035
Dynasty Name: House of Denmark
Marriage: Elfgifu, Emma
Children: Svein, Harold, Harthacnut, Gunhilda
Historical Bio: He was the son of the conquering King Sweyn, who continued his father's campaign by seizing the English kingdom in 1016. Upon this conquest he sat on three thrones; England, Denmark, and Norway and even parts of Sweden. It was a vast range of territory that become known as the North Sea Empire. He did not change English law or it's infrastructure, however worked to restore his relations with the church. After his death in 1035, his empire was divided among his sons; Harthacnut become King of Denmark, while Harold succeeded his father as king of England.

King Harold Harefoot

Reign: 1035-1040
Dynasty Name: House of Denmark
Historical Bio: He was the son of Cnut, who succeeded his father as king of England, shared among his brothers. His reign was brief and he was known for his hunting skill as well as repelling an invasion by the children of Ethelred the Unready; Elfred and Edward.
Marriage: No Marriage or children

King Harthacnut

Reign: 1040-1042
Dynasty Name: House of Denmark
Marriage: No marriage or children
Historical Bio: He was the son of Cnut the Great, who assumed the kingdom of Denmark in 1035 after his father's death, and the Kingdom of England in 1040 after his brother Harold's death. Harthacnut struggled to secure all three kingdoms that his father had controlled, and his sudden death in 1042 helped restore the English monarchy back to it's rightful House of Wessex.


King Edward the Confessor

Reign: 1042-1066
Dynasty Name: House of Wessex
Marriage: Edith
Historical Bio: He was the son of Ethelred the Unready, who peacefully reclaimed the English throne after the death of the Danish King Harthacnut. His reign is often described as a peaceful and humble one, with heavy favor towards the church. His title Confessor comes from his canonization by the Roman Church in 1161. He did not have any children and was the last King from the House of Wessex. He was most notable for initiating the construction of the Westminster Abbey.  

King Harold Godwinson

Reign: 1066
Dynasty Name: House of Goodwin
Marriage: Edith
Children: Gunhild, Gythia
Historical Bio: He was a noble, selected to the throne by the Witengamot political assembly, following the death of King Edward with no heir from the house of Wessex. Harold's reign is briefly marked as the last of the Anglo-Saxon era. He was defeated by the Norman conquest, led by William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. Which ended the Anglo-Saxon era and ushered in the Norman era.

Literary Tribute: William Shakespeare

In this post I would like to bring attention to one of the greatest poets of all time, William Shakespeare. To me his name has always been at the threshold of writing; (whether that be playwright, poet, dramatist, or just great writing in general). I have always known of the name, and appreciated his significance as a writer myself, however have never come to truly understand his work. That is until now, after a recent inspiration from the 1998 film, Shakespeare in Love.

The film is an incredible portrayal of the passionate artist that Shakespeare was; always bursting with words of wonder. Just like any normal artist, he finds blocks, however is able to rise above them through real life experiences. My greatest take away from the film's portrayal, was Shakespeare's natural ease of assembling the most beautiful of words. It's no doubt a rare artistic gift to produce something out of true passion. It is a gift that only few are blessed with. Shakespeare's masterful influence on the art of writing is on par with Mozart's influence on music, or Da Vinci's influence on painting. He was a true master of his art and one of history's most significant persons.

Here is what I have come to understand of Shakespeare up until now. He lived in England at the height of the Elizabethan Age, (late 1500s) the golden age of Queen Elizabeth. It was a time when the theater was beginning to blossom, and Shakespeare quickly rose to fame thru his unique style of play-writing. His style consisted of poetic narratives full of metaphors and rhetorical questions; it's a style that's not always easy to comprehend yet still so delightful on the ears. He wrote sonnets as well as plays of comedy, history, and tragedy. He was best known for his tragedies. Some of his greatest works include Romeo and Juliet, MacBeth, Hamlet, Midsummer Night's Dream, and Othello.  

The Life of William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare lived a short and mysterious life, 52 years from 1564 to 1616. He was born in the English town of Stratford-upon-Avon where he was brought up in a middle class family. Not much is known about his early years, however it can be assumed that he excelled in grammar and Latin. In 1582, at the age of 18 he married Anne Hathaway and had three children with her. That 10 years that followed as a parent and husband, are often referred to as his "lost years", where not much is known about his life. It was not until 1592 when Shakespeare moved to London to begin his theatrical career, that there was recorded evidence of his life.

There is great mystery as to why Shakespeare left his wife and family in Stratford to begin a theater career in London. In 1592 he began as an actor/writer and joined a playing company known as the Lord Chamberlein's Men. He quickly climbed the ranks of the company, and by 1594 he had become one of it's managing partners as a producer and writer. It was during this time that Shakespeare's work began to blossom, and soon his company of players became the most popular in London. Many of his plays were performed for Queen Elizabeth herself. By this point he had established himself as a very successful artist. He bought his wife and family in Stratford a new house, while he continued to work in London.

In 1599 his play company built their own theater near the Thames River, that became known as the Globe. This made Shakespeare a successful business man as well as an artist, and he continued to produce some of the most innovative and popular plays of it's time. In 1603 his company changed their name to the King's Men, in recognition of Elizabeth's successor, King James. Shakespeare wrote 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and 2 narrative poems.Many of his plays became published as literature throughout his lifetime. Towards the end of his career, he lived a very wealthy life traveling back and from from Stratford to London. He died in 1616, the cause is unknown, however it is generally believed that he spent his final years with his family in Stratford.  

The Plays of Shakespeare

• The Two Gentlemen of Verona (1589)
• Shakespeare's first comedy, briefly portrayed in Shakespeare in Love, where the queen hysterically laughs at the clownish servant Proteus and his dog, Crab. There is also a brief mention of Robin Hood in this play. 
• The Taming of the Shrew (1590)
• This comedy was adapted into the 1999 film, Ten Things I Hate About You. A wealthy father, has two daughters; the elder is a grumpy shrew, while the younger is beautiful and has many suitors. The father makes a decree that his younger daughter cannot marry until the elder sister does. 
• Famous Lines:
• "I'll not budge an inch"
• "Out of the jaws of death"
• "For the rain it raineth every day"
• Henry VI: Part 1, 2, 3 (1591-1592)
• This historical play highlights the life of King Henry VI of England. It first deals with his loss of territories to the French, then the conflicts among his nobles which led to the War of Roses, and finally the aftermath of the war. The play was believed to be a collaboration.
• Famous Lines:
• "Delays have dangerous ends"
• "True nobility is exempt from fear"
• Titus Andronicus (1591)
• This was Shakespeare's first tragedy and considered to be on of his most violent and least respected works. It was a fictional tale of a Roman general named Titus on a quest of revenge against Tamora, Queen of the Goths. 
• Famous Lines:
• "These words are razors to my wounded heart"
• Richard III (1592)

• This historic play depicts the cunning rise to power of King Richard III of England. It can also be considered a tragedy as the protagonist is slayed at the War of Roses by Henry VII.
• Famous Lines:
• "Now is the winter of our discontent"
• "Off with his head"
• Edward III (1593)
• This historic play depicts the life of King Edward III of England, and is most notably for it's negative portrayal of the Scottish people. It was a collaboration, that is often considered one of Shakespeare's least involved works. 
• The Comedy of Errors (1594)
• This is Shakespeare's shortest play and considered one of his most slapstick of comedies. The comedy revolves around two sets of identical twins and their constant mistaken identities.
• Love's Labour's Lost (1595)
• This comedy revolves around a king and his three companions as they swear off love to focus on their studies. Yet they are rather subdued by a princess and her three ladies, and thus their oath is broken. This play was adapted into a musical film of the same name, released in 2000, and directed by Kenneth Branagh.  
• Famous Lines:
• "There is no angel but love"
• Richard II (1595)
• This historic play was based on the life of King Richard II of England, who ruled England from 1377 until he was overthrown in 1399 by his successor, King Henry IV. Therefore this play can also be considered a tragedy, similar to his play about Richard III. It also is considered the first part of his Henriad tetralogy (which would pave the way for three other historic plays; Henry IV parts 1 and 2, and Henry V) 
• Famous Lines:
• "Live in thy shame, but die not shame with thee"

• Romeo and Juliet (1595)
  
• This romantic tragedy is perhaps one of Shakespeare's most well known plays. It should be noted that Shakespeare did not create it's original content however expanded the story with new supporting characters. It's basis consists of two young lovers, from opposing families, who defy their parent's to be married. However it ultimately ends in tragedy as Romeo takes his life with poision when he mistakes Juliet for dead. She then stabs herself at the sight of her dying lover, and the two die in one another's arms. However their deaths bring peace to the feuding families. This drama became quite groundbreaking during it's time for it's unusual mixtures of comedy and tragedy. To this day it has been regarded as one of Shakespeare's finest works, and has been adapted many times into popular films such as Baz Luhrmann's 1996 adaptation, Romeo + Juliet.
• Famous Lines:
• "O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?"
• "It is the east, and Juliet is the sun"
• Good Night, good night! Parting in such sweet sorrow, that i Shall say goodnight till it be morrow."
• "See how she leans her cheek upon her hand. O that I were a glove upon that hand, that I might touch that cheek."
• "What light through yonder window breaks"

• A Midsummer Night's Dream (1595)  

• This was yet another popular comedy of it's time, which became one of Shakespeare's widespread classics. The basis is one of Greek mythology and Athenian tradition. It revolves around two sets of lovers who escape into the woods so that they can be with one another. They also come across 6 actors, who are rehearsing in the forest. The entire group is mistakenly and magically transformed by two arguing fairies. When they are returned to normal, they declare it was a midsummer night's dream and the lovers are properly united. It is perhaps one of my personal favorites of Shakespeare, of which I still intend to grow more familiar with. 
• Famous Lines:
• "The course of true love never did run smooth"
• "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind"
• "Lord what fools these mortals be"
• "It's not enough to speak, but to speak true"

• King John (1596)
• This was a historic play based on the life of King John of England who reigned from 1199 to 1216. King John is often associated as unpopular with the people, which led to the sealing of the Magna Carta. He is also often associated as a villain in the Robin Hood tales, however the character is not included in this play. 
• Famous Lines:
• "Strong reasons make strong actions"
• The Merchant of Venice (1597)
  
• This popular comedy depicts an Italian lover, who takes out a loan from a Jewish banker named Shylock, to woo a woman. However when he is unable to repay the loan, the Jewish banker, becomes the antagonist and demands a piece of Antonio's flesh. Shylock is eventually accused of intent to kill and must forfeit his fortune as well as convert to Christianity. This play is quite famous for it's anti-Semitic portrayals of it's time.  
• Famous Lines: 
• "If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? and if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?"
• "But Love is blind, and lovers cannot see"
• "You speak an infinite deal of nothing"
• "If to do were as easy as to know what were good to do, chapels had been churches, and poor men's cottage princes' palaces."

• Henry IV Part 1 and 2 (1596-1598)
• This was a historic play about the life and reign of King Henry IV of England who ruled from 1399-1413. The first part of the play deals with the King's military campaigns against the Scottish and English rebels. The 2nd part of the play is a detailed extension of the scenes from the 1st play, also introducing a comical knight named Falstaff. Both plays served as the 2nd and 3rd part of his Henriad tertalogy, concerning the consecutive reigns of Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V.

• Famous Lines:
• "He will give the devil his due"
• "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown"
• "A man can die but once"
• The Merry Wives of Windsor (1597)
• This comedy is set during the reign of Henry IV and revolves around Shakespeare's fictional character of Sir John Falstaff. He was a fat knight who foolishly chased two married women. This comedic character appeared in several of Shakespeare's plays concerning the Henriad. 
• Famous Lines:
• "Why then the world's mine oyster."
• Much Ado about Nothing (1598)
• This romantic comedy has often been considered one of Shakespeare's best comedies as it is a joyful topic without any violence. It subtly combines serious themes of infidelity and deception into a lighthearted and funny play. It deals with two couples as they gossip and argue among one another, and then are reunited. 
• Famous Lines:
• "Everyone can master a grief but he that has it"
• "Friendship is constant in all other things"
• Henry V (1599)
• This historic play concerns the life of King Henry V of England who reigned from 1413 to 1422. It is the final part in Shakespeare's Henriad tertalogy. It depicts several battles against the French during the Hundred Years War. specifically the Battle of Agincourt. This play is also notable as it details the death of the popular fictional character Falstaff.
• Famous Lines:
•  "Men of few words are the best men"
• Julius Caesar (1599)
  
• This historic-tragedy is quite notable since it's Shakespeare's first break from English history to focus on Roman history. The subject matter is on the tragic assassination of Julius Caesar, and the after affect it brings to his close friend, Brutus. The play has many notable famous lines in it, and I remember studying it in my grade school literature class.
• Famous Lines: 
• "Beware the Ides of March"
• "Et tu, Brute?"
• "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him."
• "Cry Havoc, and let slip the dogs of war"
• Men at some time are masters of their fates; Their fault dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings"
• "Not I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more"
• "Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste death but once"

• As You Like It (1599)
• This comedy depicts a fleeing character named Rosalind, who escapes from persecution into the Forest of Arden. There she meets many rural characters, most notably a melancholy traveler known as Jaques. This is another one of Shakespeare's most famous characters, best known for his wise monologue that "all the world's a stage." This popular phrase categorizes a man's life into seven ages; infancy, schoolboy, lover, soldier, justice, old age, and incapacity.
• Famous Lines:
• "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts."
• "Can one desire too much of a good thing."
• "How bitter a thing it is to look into happiness through another man's eyes."
• "The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool."
• "Whoever loved that loved not at first sight?"

•  Hamlet (1599)
  
• This tragedy is arguably one of Shakespeare's most famous plays, that achieved massive success during and after his lifetime. It is set in the kingdom of Denmark, where the prince Hamlet seeks revenge for the murder of his father. The antagonist is Hamlet's uncle, Claudius, who killed his brother and married his widow to become king. In his mad scheme for revenge, Hamlet falls for the noble daughter, Ophelia, however mistakenly kills her father thinking it is Claudius. This drives Ophelia into a suicidal rage as she eventually drowns herself. This infuriates her brother Laertes, who challenges Hamlet to a duel, while the scheming Claudius looks upon. In the final scene of classic Shakespearean tragedy, Laertes and Hamlet stab each other with a poisoned tip, yet in his final bit of strength Hamlet is able to kill Claudius. 
• Famous Lines:
• "To be or not to be, that is the question"
• "Though this be madness, yet there is method in it"
• "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so"
• "Brevity is the soul of wit"
• "Doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love."
• "To thine own self be true"
• "We know what we are, but know not what we may be"

• Twelfth Night (1601)
  
• This comedy gives homage to the English Christian tradition of the Twelfth Night Holiday, the eve of the Epiphany which is the closing of Christmas. In the film Shakespeare in Love, it is suggested that the play was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth and the heroine Viola, was a muse of his. The story revolves around the twins, Viola and Sebastian who are separated in a shipwreck. Viola disguises herself as a boy for security, and wins the love of the Countess Olivia, whilst in turn her brother falls for Olivia, making for an unusual love triangle.
• Famous Lines: 
• "Some are born great, others achieve greatness"
• "Better a witty fool, than a foolish wit"
• "Be not afraid of greatness; some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them"
• "If music be the food love then play on"

• Troilus and Cressida (1602)
• This tragedy once again returns to Greek Mythology as it is set during the Trojan War. Troilus is the youngest son of King Priam, who falls for the priestess daughter Cressida. However this romance is only a minor sub-plot of the epic Trojan War and it's many heroes. This play has often been considered one of Shakespeare's weakest for it's lack of direction and resolve. 
• Famous Lines:
• "The common curse of manking; folly and ignorance."
• "Things won are done; joy's soul lies in the doing"
• Measure for Measure (1603)
• This comedy from Shakespeare is another of his least popular ones. It once again lacks direction and confuses the audience with light themes of comedy yet heavy themes of justice and mercy. The play does not end tragically, and is best known for its clever line that "some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall".
• Famous Lines:
• "Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall"
• The miserable have no other medicine but only hope"
•  Othello (1603)
  
• This tragedy is another Shakespeare classic and deals with heavy themes of racism, infidelity, jealousy, betrayal, revenge, and sheer manipulation. The basis revolves around Othello, a dark skinned Moorish General in the Venetian Army. He is married to the beautiful Venetian Desdemona in secret. The conflict arises when Othello gives a promotion to his officer, Cassio and not to Iago, his 2nd officer. Feeling undervalued, Iago takes revenge on Othello, through a carefully planned scheme of deception. He attempts to stage an affair between Cassio and the General's wife, Desdemona, which succeeds on incurring the General's jealousy. In an argument over the affair Othello tragically strangles his wife to death. Meanwhile Iago is discovered by his wife, for having schemed the entire affair and is arrested. Othello realizes the affair was a total ploy and that his wife was innocent, he thus kills himself from shame. A terrible tragedy of sheer manipulation.  
• Famous Lines:
• "Tis neither here nor there"
• "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at"
• "The robbed that smiles steals something from the thief"
• "I am one who loved not wisely but too well"

• All's Well that Ends Well (1604)
• This comedy is one of Shakespeare's less known play's, often considered a problem play because of its unclear blend of comedy and tragedy. The dark comedy is most significant for introducing the comedic "bed trick" to literature; where a character goes to bed with a person they mistake as someone else. 
• Famous Lines:
• "Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none"
• King Lear (1605)
  
• This tragic play is an adaptation of the old British folktale of the Celtic King Leir. It depicts an ancient King who splits his kingdom among his three daughters based on their flattery. He later falls into a madness due to his poor judgement of his three daughters. He discovers that it is his youngest daughter, who is the most truthful and sincere to him. However before he realizes this all parties are slain or commit suicide in a classic Shakespearean tragedy. 
• Famous Lines:
• "How sharper than a serpent's tooth is it to have a thankless child."
• "I am a man more sinned against than sinning"
• "Nothing will come of nothing"
• "Have more than thou showest, speak less than thou knowest, lend less than thou owest"

• Timon of Athens (1606)
• This was one of Shakespeare's collaborative plays, also conisdered a problem play for it's misdirection of tragedy and character development. The protagonist is based off a historic Athenian citizen, known as Timon, who became infamous for his hate of others. The play depicts how Timon starts off as an extremely generous person, to such a fault, that he gives away all his money, and becomes broke on debt. He thus denounces mankind as a whole, and spends the rest of his life until death as a hermit.   
• Famous Lines:
• "We have seen better days"

• MacBeth (1606)
  
• This tragedy is considered one of Shakespeare's darkest and most masterful works. The story is of a Scottish general, MacBeth, who receives a prophecy that he shall be king. He is then driven by mad ambition from this prophecy, as well as encouraged by his wife to lay claim to the throne. And so he kills the standing king, to become a tyrannical ruler. He and his wife however become tormented by guilt and paranoia for their wrongful actions. The more they defend their stolen throne, the further madness they fall into until their inevitable deaths. The play is highly regarded for it's themes on the evils of power hunger. It is to this day one of Shakespeare's most popular plays, adapted frequently by all forms of entertainment (movies, musicals, operas, songs, books, etc). However it has also brought about a superstitious association to it's name, perhaps due to it's dark subject matter. 
• Famous Lines:
• "There's daggers in men's smiles"
• "What's done is done"
• ""Will all great Neptune's oceans wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red"
• "Double, double toil and trouble; fire, burn, and cauldron bubble"
• "Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent underneath"
• "Nothing in his life became him like the leaving it; he died as one that had studied in his death to throw away the dearest thing he owed, as it were a careless trifle"
• "Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?"

• Antony and Cleopatra (1606)
  
• This popular play is often categorized as a sensational mixture of history, tragedy, romance, and comedy. It is based on the historical romance between Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and the Roman general and traitor, Mark Antony. Together they form an alliance against Octavius Caesar. The Roman Senate thus declares war on Egypt which leads to the Final War of the Roman Republic. The outcome is decided at the Battle of Actium, with the Romans victorious. With their defeat both Mark Antony and Cleopatra commit suicide. Shakespeare's play is most notable for the portrayal of Cleopatra. Her character is depicted as very seductive, proud, and overly dramatic. 
• Famous Lines:
• "If I lose mine honor, I lose myself"
• Pericles, Prince of Tyre (1607)
• This play was one of Shakespeare's collaborative works often categorized as a late romance. Prince Pericles discovers a terrible secret, that the king is involved in an incestuous affair, and rather then make it public he flees his kingdom. This is one of Shakespeare's rare plays that has a happy ending for it's protagonist.
• Coriolanus (1608)
• This historic tragedy depicts the legendary Roman General Caius Marcius Coriolanus. He achieved great success on the battlefield, however was not so fortunate in the field of politics. Following his banishment, he attempts to regain power through force however is tragically defeated. This play was recently adapted into a modern film, released in 2011 starring Ralph Fiennes and Gerard Butler. 
• Famous Lines:
• "Nature teaches beasts to know their friends"  
• The Winter's Tale (1609)
  
• This popular comedy is often categorized as one of Shakespeare's late romances. It begins with jealousy, suspicion of adultery, however happily ends with resolve for all it's main character. This play is often criticized for it's sharp contract, of a dramatic beginning to a comedic closing. It's one of the few Shakespeare plays that have a happy ending. It is also remembered for it's portrayal of the comedic thief, Autolycus. 
• Famous Lines:
• "What's gone and what's past help should be past grief"
• "You pay a great deal too dear to what's given freely"

• Cymbeline (1610)
• This was yet another of Shakespeare's late romances, quite similar in themes to the Winter's Tale. It is an adaptation from old British folklore, concerning the ancient Celtic king Cunobeline. The king is under the influence of his wicked 2nd wife, who forbids the marriage of their daughter, Imogen, to a man of low-class, Posthumus. The manipulation eventually leads to war between Rome and Britain. In the end however justice prevails, as the war is reconciled, the king is free of his wicked wife, and his daughter Imogen is able to marry her lover Posthumus.   
• The Tempest (1610)
  
• This is considered Shakespeare's last play of which he wrote without collaboration, and another of his late romances. It is a tale of fantasy as it deals with a sorcerer, Prospero who is able to conjure storms. He seeks revenge against his brother, Antonio who has taken his place as the Duke of Milan. Prospero is able to conjure a storm and lure his brother as well as the King of Naples to make things right, whilst securing love and happiness for his daughter, Miranda. This popular play was adapted into a 2012 film, by Julie Taymor of which I still intend to see.
• Famous Lines:
• "We are such stuff as dreams are mad on, round with a little sleep"

• Henry VIII (1612)
• This was one of Shakespeare's final historic plays, yet also a collaborative effort with the playwright, John Fletcher. It concerns the life of King Henry VIII of England, his numerous marriages and his separation from the Catholic Church. The play is notable for it's closing that gives glorious homage to the king's daughter and future Queen of a golden era, Elizabeth. 
• The Two Noble Kinsman (1613)
• This was considered one of Shakespeare's final works, yet another collaboration with John Fletcher. It is an adaptation from an old Canterbury Tale of Geoffrey Chaucer known as the Knight's Tale. Two knights and kinsmen, Arcite and Palamon, are captured by the Athenians, and both fall for the duke's daughter, Emilia. The duke decides that he will have the two prisoners fight for her hand in marriage. Whilst Arcite prays for victory, Palamon prays for her hand in marriage, and Emilia prays that the best lover be her husband. Arcite wins the combat, however falls from his horse and dies, thus leaving Emilia to marry Palamon, and everyone's prayer answered. 

The Sonnets and Poems of Shakespeare

Although he is best known for his playwrighting, Shakespeare also published a collection of 154 sonnets as well as two narrative poems. His two narrative poems were published in 1593 and 1594, while the theatres were closed during a great plague. Each deal with erotic themes on the nature of love.

•  Venus and Adonis (1593)
• This poem is based off of old passages from Ovid's Metamorphosis, a classic poem of Roman Mythology. Shakespeare's two young characters Venus and Adonis engage in a sexual act, while hunting. Whilst the female wants more, the male is more interested in his hunt, and tradgedy befalls him in the end. 
• The Rape of Lucrece (1594)
• This poem is based off the Roman legend of Lucretia, who was raped by a king and committed a suicide which caused the overthrowing of the Roman Kingdom. The poem is praised for it's metaphoric themes of the wrongful act, and justice prevailing in the end. 

His sonnets were published in 1609 dealing with themes of love, time, beauty, and mortality. Here are some of my favorites;

• "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day" (Sonnet 18)
• "To me my fair friend, you can never be old" (Sonnet 104)
• "When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see" (Sonnet 43)
• "When my Love Swears that she is made of truth" (Sonnet 138)
• "Full many a glorious morning have I seen" (Sonnet 33)

The Question of Authorship

I first heard of this conspiracy, that William Shakespeare did not write his material, in the film 2011 Anonymous. The basis of the claim is that his name was used as an pseudonym for authors of the time who did not want the credit. Although I've yet to see the film, I can only imagine that it has a hint of truth to it.

One thing I myself have been very intrigued by in this general study is the mysterious life that Shakespeare lived. Another very curious question I have is how such a low class person, with a basic education, could write with such an immense vocabulary and highly intellectual knowledge. I'm sure there's cases on both sides of the argument, and perhaps worth another look some day. However I don't intend to make a case for the doubters in this post. Instead I'd rather acknowledge the brilliance that was the name William Shakespeare. 

Movie Masterpiece: Shakespeare in Love

I first watched this film many years ago and had it in high regards then (I have it rated 8 out of 10 stars on IMDB.com). Yet I recently watched it again (for maybe the fourth or fifth time) and have now found it to be all the more masterful. It's funny how sometimes a film, song, or a work of art inspire you at different points in your life. Well that's the case with this original film, set during the Elizabethan era and the height of Shakespearean theater. It's unlike any movie I've seen before as it blends a historical setting with a comedic and romantic twist.

This film was released in 1998, directed by John Madden and written by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard. It went on to clean up at the Academy Awards, winning 7 of it's 13 Oscar nominations; including Best Picture, Best Actress (Gwyneth Paltrow), Best Supporting Actress (Judi Dench), and Best Original Screenplay (Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard). It seems each time I watch this film I enjoy it all the more, for it's romantic, poetic, dramatic, and comedic appeal. Almost every line of dialogue in this film is pure poetry (the essence of Shakespeare). This film has ultimately opened my eyes to the brilliant artistry of William Shakespeare of which I intend to study in another post.

 A Dramatic Comedy

The utmost appeal to this film is it's original screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard. They've managed to create a story within a story, concerning one of history's most famous poets, William Shakespeare, and one of his most famous works, Romeo and Juliet. In the story, Shakespeare is at the height of his career, already employed by numerous theaters, he is constantly at work. However he finds himself at a writers-block as he begin's his next project, which happens to be the masterpiece of Romeo and Juliet. 

Enter his new found muse, an original character named Viola, who is the beautiful daughter of a wealthy merchant and a passionate lover of plays. She is the perfect lover for Shakespeare, as she is already very familiar with his work. However there are numerous twists to their love. First that she must disguise herself as a man, named Thomas Kent to perform in his plays. (As was the British law during the time that did not allow women to perform on stage) The 2nd love-barrier is that she is destined to marry a wealthy aristocrat. And finally the 3rd of which we do not discover until later in the story is that Shakespeare himself is also married. Nonetheless the two engage in a very passionate love affair that inspires his tragic play of Romeo and Juliet. After the play is a success their love affair must come to an end, as they part in different ways.

The story ultimately gives homage to the brilliance of William Shakespeare. He is portrayed by Joseph Fiennes as a very passionate character. However the story also sheds light on the empowerment of women, such as Queen Elizabeth and the fictional character of Viola. The Queen is portrayed by Judi Dench with the utmost authority and wisdom. The character of Viola, is portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow with a wonderful blend of natural beauty and passionate ambition. She is not afraid to break the rules and challenge the norm as she pursues what it is she loves most, the theater. 

The Film's Character's

William Shakespeare, the famous English poet, is played by Joseph Fiennes. The famed playwright is at the rise of his career in London, working for the play company of Lord Chamberlain's Men. At the start of the film he finds himself at a wrtier's bloc, as he begins work on Romeo and Juliet. He is portrayed as a very busy artist, very involved with the theater production of his writings. It is through his new found muse, Viola, that he finds the inspiration to complete the groundbreaking tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.  

Viola de Lesseps, is a fictional character who serves as lover and muse of Shakespeare. She is played by the beautiful Gwyneth Paltrow, who went on to win the Oscar for her courageous and passionate performance. She is a lover of theater as she is a lover of Shakespeare. She breaks the gender norms of the time, by courageously performing on stage as herself.

Philip Henslowe, owner and producer of the Rose Theater, relies on Shakespeare's work to stay in business. He is played by Geoffrey Rush in a very comedic portrayal. While he serves as the boss of the theater, he is often micro-managed by higher investors as well as the playwright himself. While he spends most the film in anxiety, he puts the utmost faith in Shakespeare as in his catch phrase, "I don't know its a mystery."

Lord Wessex, is a fictional character, an aristocrat who is arranged to marry Viola. He is played by Colin Firth. His wealth is struggling so he intends to begin a new fortune in Virginia with the Queen's approval. Queen Elizabeth approves of his new venture as well as his arranged marriage with Viola, however warns him that she is in love with the theater.

Queen Elizabeth I of England is played by Judi Dench, who also went on to win the Oscar for this royal performance. Although she only serves as a supporting character in the film, each of her scenes are very authoritative. From her elaborate costumes, her quick wisdom, and her vocal demeanor she is a true force to be reckoned with.

Ned Alleyn, the popular theater actor is played by Ben Affleck. It is a stereotypical portrayal of a lead actor with far too much ego. It exudes within the Rose theater as he helps Shakespeare, direct and produce the play.

Richard Burbage, owner of the Curtain Theater is played by Martin Clunes. He is the competitor to Philip Henslowe, however has also worked with Shakespeare in the past. When the Rose Theater is disallowed to continue with their production, Burbage offers the play be performed in his theater instead.

Hugh Fennyman, investor to the Rose Theater and the Lord Chamberlain's Men, is played by Thomas Wilkinson. This is another comedic portrayal of a business man, with a ruthless side yet also an appreciation for theater. Shakespeare offers him the minor role of the apothecary.

Christopher Kit Marlow, the famed English playwright, is played by Rupert Everett. It is a minor role, yet still important as Shakespeare uses his name as a cover.

John Webster, famed dramatic playwright is played by Joe Roberts, as a poor lingerer of the Rose Theater. It can be assumed then he went on to start his own successfull with inspiration from Shakespeare.

Will Kemp, famous theater actor is played by Patrick Barlow in a very minimal role. He was one of Shakespeare's frequent players in Lord Chamberlain's Men.