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“True” History And Political Theory: The Problematic Orthodoxy Of The Troublesome Raigne Of King John, Cynthia Bowers

Quidditas

The anonymous Troublesome Raigne of King John was performed by the Queen's Men probably during the height of the Armada crisis; it appeared in print in 1591. The play's few critics unanimously conclude that it is essentially a work of propaganda, a monument to Tudor orthodoxy and its principal buttress, obedience doctrine. Scott McMillin and Sally-Beth MacLean, recent historians of the Queen’s Men, add to the critical consensus their belief that Troublesome Raigne, like other Queen’s Men’s plays, attempts to convey “true” history, i.e., history consistent with official Tudor political and religious policy. The formation of the company and …