Pomp and Ceremony

Shakespeare’s final history play spends little time in battles and in contests for the crown, but instead has an extra portion of flattery for the royal family.

Despite the heavy-handedness at the end of the play, it still does have some interesting features, though perhaps not to the same level as many of his other excellent histories. Queen Katherine is definitely a compelling character, a woman who stands strong, holding fast to her nobility in a friendless world in spite of intense pressure. She has some excellent speeches, projecting grace and dignity and stealing every scene she enters. I can see her role as a dream role for a strong female actor, if only the rest of the play didn’t make for far less interesting viewing.

Oddly, as much as Shakespeare sells Katherine, the final blessing and victory come from the success of her rival, Anne Bollen, and the birth of Elizabeth. This incongruity often makes viewers question the play. How can we celebrate with all the pomp and ceremony as Anne takes the place of our favorite character? How can we hope for a glorious future with Elizabeth, as the noble queen fades into obscurity thanks to a fickle and changeable king?

I don’t honestly know. I’ve read it over and over, trying to find a satisfying perspective to unify all of the different elements of the play. I find the fall of Buckingham, Katherine, and Wolsey interesting, and the reversal of the recurring failure arc in the restoration of Cranmer does seem to satisfy and balance the action of the play to the point that the characters seem freed from a spiral. There seem to be worthy moments and characters, but I still have trouble loving this play. It intrigues but doesn’t spellbind as some of Shakespeare’s work can do.

What do you think? What are the bright spots of this play for you? Is it one of your secret favorites? Let me know!

Next time, we’re reading a forgotten work of Shakespeare: Sir Thomas More! If you’ve not read it, you’re in for a treat!