When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.
Literary and Philosophical References
- 1.2: When You See Me You Know Me by Samuel Rowley
- 2.1: Richard III by William Shakespeare (5.1)
- 2.2: Henry V by William Shakespeare (3.6.30-38)
- 3.1: Orpheus (Greek mythology)
- 4.2: vision of celestial beings echoes Revelation 7:9-10 in the Bible
- 5.3: Samson
- 5.5: Seba: the Queen of Sheba who made a long journey to visit Solomon
- 5.3: Sir Guy, Colbrand: refers to Guy of Warwick
- 5.3: Limbo Patrum: souls who died before Christ came to earth
Historical References
- 1.1: India was the sign of wealth and prominence in Elizabethan England
- 1.1: Bevis: of Southampton
- 2.3: new secretary: Stephen Gardiner
- 2.4: Duke of Orleance: son of Frances I, Henry II