"Shakespeare's History Tetralogies: A Critical Study" by Maureen Toomey
 

Date of Award

1963

Degree Type

Master's Essay - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

Abstract

The Tudor myth of the divine right of kings was a bid for power from weakness. The accession of Henry VII to the throne of England was an act accomplished by his accidental survival of the Wars of the Roses and his timely triumph over Richard III at Bosworth Field. Henry's claim to the throne, in light of the English laws of succession, was weak. Because of the weakness of this claim the Tudors became vulnerable to resistance tactics of aggression and treachery -- the same formula which had placed Henry on the throne. The Tudor myth was born out of a very practical determination to preserve the Tudor line by establishing national security.

Comments

Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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