So What's the Tudor Myth Stuff About?
Henry VII and VIII needed to solidify and justify a frankly dodgy link to the throne. They hired the best, most influential historians in Europe to rewrite an ‘official’ account of English history to make them look good. For this reason, some see Richard III as little more than propaganda and to a certain extent this is true…with some serious ambiguity.
Shakespeare knows he has to keep his patrons (the nobles who give him money, support and a certain amount of protection) happy. In many ways, the play flatters Queen Elizabeth in representing her family lineage as chosen by Divine Right (destined by God to be monarchs), with a strong claim to the throne. The public love her, so making a play showing everyone’s favourite Queen and how she is descended from a True Hero of Good = bums on seats. Kerching $$$$.
Henry VII and VIII needed to solidify and justify a frankly dodgy link to the throne. They hired the best, most influential historians in Europe to rewrite an ‘official’ account of English history to make them look good. For this reason, some see Richard III as little more than propaganda and to a certain extent this is true…with some serious ambiguity.
Shakespeare knows he has to keep his patrons (the nobles who give him money, support and a certain amount of protection) happy. In many ways, the play flatters Queen Elizabeth in representing her family lineage as chosen by Divine Right (destined by God to be monarchs), with a strong claim to the throne. The public love her, so making a play showing everyone’s favourite Queen and how she is descended from a True Hero of Good = bums on seats. Kerching $$$$.