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
- Henry VI, Part 1: the claim to the throne is discussed in 1.1 in the previous play (1.1)
- Henry VI, Part 1: taxation in 5.5.93 is commented on when Henry strikes the deal with France (1.1.133)
- Henry VI, Part 1: war that York fought in 4.3 is referenced (1.2)
- Aeneid: quote from 1.2 (2.1.24); referenced (5.2)
- Bible: reference to Luke 4:23 (2.1)
- Ascanius: Aeneas's son (3.2)
- Iris (3.2)
- Telephus (5.1)
- Medea (5.2)
Historical and Religious References
- Henry V (1.1)
- Ceres (1.2)
- Dolphin: Dauphin Charles (1.3)
- Satan: called "Asmath" (1.4)
- Pythian Apollo: his ambiguous response to Pyrrhus is given (1.4)
- Jesus Christ (3.2)
- Sylla, the Roman dictator (4.1)
- Richard II: called "a guiltless king" (4.1)
- Marcus Tullius Cicero (4.1)
- Pompey the Great (4.1)
- Rene of Naples: called Neapolitan (5.1)