You probably noticed that the characters in the play have some serious chops when it comes to language and communication—they can bend language to all sorts of different purposes.
The most playful language-user in the play is totally the Bastard. When he riffs on the different social uses of language, he doesn't seem to be getting anything out of it other than the satisfaction of playing with words and making fun of other people. King John uses language more strategically: for example, he uses it in a weird, sneaky way that lets Hubert pick up his meaning without him having to tell him outright.
But even as the play shows a bunch of social and political uses of language, it also shows the limitations of language's power. Sure, you can use words to get people do a lot of crazy things, but you have to get them to listen to you first. If they aren't willing to do that, then you're stuck in a world where power (King John's biggest theme) determines everything.
Questions About Language and Communication
- When King John wants Hubert to kill Arthur, why does he first try communicating without words?
- Why are names and titles so important in the world of King John?
- The Bastard's use of language seems to become less playful as the play goes on. Why do you think this is so?
- Is anyone in King John especially bad at communicating? If so, who?
Chew on This
King John tries to communicate without words because at first, he's too ashamed to say out loud that he wants Arthur dead.
The Bastard's use of language is more playful when he is an outsider. Later in the play, when he has more responsibility, he has to start watching what he says.