How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
CHATILLION
Philip of France, in right and true behalf
Of thy deceasèd brother Geoffrey's son,
Arthur Plantagenet, lays most lawful claim
To this fair island and the territories,
To Ireland, Poictiers, Anjou, Touraine, Maine,
Desiring thee to lay aside the sword
Which sways usurpingly these several titles,
And put these same into young Arthur's hand,
Thy nephew and right royal sovereign. (1.1.7-15)
Whenever there's a debate about who should be the monarch in one of Shakespeare's history plays, it usually boils down to family conflict. That's because the title of king was traditionally passed down from fathers to oldest sons. Here, we find out that Arthur should have been crowned king because he's the son of Geoffrey, who was King John's older brother.
Quote #2
QUEEN ELEANOR
What now, my son! Have I not ever said
How that ambitious Constance would not cease
Till she had kindled France and all the world
Upon the right and party of her son?
This might have been prevented and made whole
With very easy arguments of love,
Which now the manage of two kingdoms must
With fearful bloody issue arbitrate. (1.1.31-38)
Queen Eleanor wants her son (John) to remain king. Eleanor's daughter-in-law, Constance, wants her own son (Arthur) to become king. Uh oh. Look out, because these two mama bears will do anything to help their sons achieve their political goals.
Quote #3
KING JOHN
What men are you?
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
Your faithful subject I, a gentleman
Born in Northamptonshire, and eldest son,
As I suppose, to Robert Falconbridge,
A soldier, by the honor-giving hand
Of Coeur de Lion knighted in the field.
KING JOHN
What art thou?
ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE
The son and heir to that same Falconbridge.
KING JOHN
Is that the elder, and art thou the heir?
You came not of one mother then, it seems.
PHILIP FAULCONBRIDGE
Most certain of one mother, mighty king—
That is well known—and, as I think, one father:
But for the certain knowledge of that truth
I put you o'er to heaven and to my mother.
Of that I doubt, as all men's children may. (1.1.50-64)
About two seconds after King John finds out that the legitimacy of his kingship is being challenged by his nephew, he's asked to settle a legal dispute between two brothers fighting over who should get to inherit their fathers' land. Gee, Shakespeare. Just beat us over the head with this whole family inheritance issue, why don't you? Here, we find out that Robert Falconbridge doesn't think his older brother Philip should get to inherit his dead dad's land because Philip is a "bastard," which should disqualify him from getting anything.
In Shakespeare's own day, this was usually the case. Since a man's wealth, land, and titles usually went to his oldest (legitimate) son, that meant that younger sons, daughters, and illegitimate kids got shafted in the family will. In the play King Lear, Edmund begs the gods to "stand up for bastards!"(King Lear, 1.2). By the way, the gods do no such thing in King Lear. But what's interesting about this play is that the gods really do stand up for bastards. Keep reading and we'll tell you why...