The Hollow Crown Film is basically a series which is based on the Shakespeare’s second teratology named the Henriad. This includes Richard II, Henry IV, Part 2 and Henry V. the most basic analysis gathered from watching the series concludes that it is based on the political scenarios of England in Shakespearean era. There are many references made by the author which have been convincingly portrayed in the film series (PBS).
As The Hollow Crown begins with Richard II, the film takes the reader back in time when King Richard II tries to solve things for his cousin who is involved in dispute. Disputes at that time were only solved by duels- usually chosen and allotted by the King or Ruler of the time and they could be chosen for any reason; something trivial as well as something serious in nature. Hence, the only way that the dispute between the two parties- Richard’s cousin Henry Bolingbroke and his rival Mowbray, can be solved (PBS). While Mowbray is accused of being a traitor, Bolingbroke is being called a slanderer (PBS). Thus something of such nature is reserved on being solved with a duel between people and not solvable by negotiation or talking through. There are several of the writer’s subjective viewpoints depicted in the film such as Shakespeare thinking that King Richard is not ruling justly, and nepotism and favorite royals have occupied places they did not deserve. Moreover, Richard seizes Bolingbroke’s father’s lands and assets and after doing so, he sets off to Ireland for a battle (PBS). Such behavior for a person in power is bound to get his people against him, even those who were close to him.
However, like in politics, only the strong can face off the strong. Similarly, Gaunt’s allies come together and help him regain his inheritance and eventually take Richard, prisoner, and Henry takes the throne. And just like every other ruler, Henry too has rebelled. His son, Prince Hal and King Henry are enemies with Hotspur, his father and his uncle (PBS). As it is true of any political leader or Ruler of a State, it is mandatory for them to consolidate their position and show their worth. In the Shakespearean era, fighting battles and winning them helped to prove a King’s worth. Hence by winning against Hotspur, Henry showed his importance to the people.
Shakespeare’s own views did not later much like the society of the time, and even the present time, thrives on its chosen leaders to be powerful and impressive beings. If a ruler is weak or unwilling to fight, he is considered unfit and unworthy of his position. This is why winning is just as important throughout the film because even political issues cannot be resolved without one party holding a higher hand above the other.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing characters in the film is that of Sir John Falstaff who is depicted as a typical character that shows loyalty to the royalty, however, is just as deceitful and treacherous in his existence as any other rebel could be. Yet his importance is politically recognized, and he thrives throughout the series by caring for the office, which he is not in favor of, and his actions are only realized by Henry V which does not provide him a high office at his coronation.
The conflicts in the minds of the characters and the ongoing events explain how even in the time of low populations and lack of technological advances, politics remained an up and going phenomenon in all of history. Challenges to expand states, wage wars against all the odds and to empower the royal family are matters which hold importance even today. Political power and favor of the public for one party trumps all.
Work Cited
PBS. “The hollow crown: Shakespeare’s history plays | about the series | great
performances.”Uncategorized. Great Performances, 9 July 2013. Web. 8 Sept. 2016.
