Episode 168: Witches, Demons and Fairies
The History of English Podcast
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Shakespeare's Jack Cade's Rebellion
The Duchess of Gloucester consults with a witch and conjurer to summon a spirit who will predict the future of Henry's reign. Many scholars think that the scene represents an attempt by Shakespeare to mimic Marlow's play, which was still being presented on the stages at that time. The Duchess is found guilty and exiled, and Gloucester himself is forced out of office. With the fall of Gloucester, much of the rest of the play tracks the rise of Richard, the Duke of York.
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