| Author |
Shakespeare (spurious and doubtful works), 1564-1616 |
| Title |
The Life and Death of Thomas Lord Cromwell
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| Note |
Apocrypha
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| Note |
Reading ease score: 89.9 (6th grade). Easy to read.
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| Credits |
the PG Shakespeare Team, a team of about twenty Project Gutenberg volunteers
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| Summary |
"The Life and Death of Thomas Lord Cromwell" by Shakespeare is a historical play likely written in the early 17th century. This work dramatizes the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell, a key figure in the court of King Henry VIII, emphasizing themes of ambition, betrayal, and the volatile nature of fortunes in the political arena. The audience witnesses Cromwell's journey from humble beginnings to a position of immense power, followed by his tragic downfall. The story begins with Thomas Cromwell as a young man aspiring for greatness, determined to rise above his father's modest station as a blacksmith. Throughout the play, we see Cromwell deftly navigate the treacherous waters of the Tudor court, gaining the favor of powerful figures like Cardinal Wolsey and later King Henry VIII. His intelligence and political acumen earn him titles and wealth, but they also spark envy and resentment among his rivals, particularly Bishop Gardiner and the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk. In an intricate web of political maneuvering, Cromwell's downfall is orchestrated by those who once were his allies. Ultimately, he is arrested on charges of treason, and despite his innocence, his fate is sealed. The play concludes with his execution, leaving a poignant reflection on the nature of power and the fickle fortunes that govern human affairs. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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| Language |
English |
| LoC Class |
PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
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| Subject |
Cromwell, Thomas, Earl of Essex, 1485?-1540 -- Drama
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| Category |
Text |
| EBook-No. |
1736 |
| Release Date |
May 1, 1999 |
| Most Recently Updated |
Jul 5, 2023 |
| Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads |
60 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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