A Lockean Analysis of the Problem of Sovereignty and Legitimacy in Shakespeare’s King John

Abstract

This article examines the representation of authority, political power, and legitimacy in William Shakespeare’s King John through relating them to John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government to put forth that such concepts have parallels within the two works. King John provides a means to examine the dynamics of political power and ambition, as the king has doubtful claims to the English throne when examined from Locke’s point of view. In relation to Shakespeare’s work, Locke’s Second Treatise of Government establishes a philosophical foundation for the principles of political authority and its legitimacy in which there is the possibility of resistance to the King. Locke’s ideas on property rights, consent, and the social contract had an impact on political theory during the Enlightenment. This article, therefore, discusses the impact of Locke’s theories on the political discussion of the era by juxtaposing them with the plot and characters in King John. Finally, the study establishes a correlation between the play and Locke’s work by demonstrating their similarities through an examination of both works which in the end puts forth the basic principles of the idea of resisting the King.