Publication details

Thomas Middleton and the King

Authors

STACHUROVÁ Alexandra

Year of publication 2016
Type Appeared in Conference without Proceedings
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Arts

Citation
Description Thomas Middleton (1580–1627) was an English Jacobean playwright, one of the best authors of mainly comedies and tragedies of the Renaissance. The paper introduces a theory that Middleton demonstrates his own world-view, makes political statements and offers new perspectives on the most pressing social ills and untruths of the Jacobean London. This paper claims that in his comedies and tragedies, Middleton undermines the seeming Jacobean morals and social standards, and he unmasks the real state of every social class and its vices. He does not merely satirise the Jacobean society and the inhabitants of London. He also makes a strong political and moral statement about the ones who pretend to be the highest ethical and social authorities, but they commit deeds immoral, discriminatory and criminal. By his most powerful and controversial statement, Middleton aims at King James I himself, and through this literary feature, he satirises the King’s deeds and actions, uncovers his vices, and undermines the seemingly untouchable authority of the King.
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