John Balliol (play) facts for kids
John Balliol, An Historical Drama In Five Acts is a play written in 1825 by a poet named William Tennant. It's a historical drama, which means it tells a story from the past, but it's written as a play for the stage. This play focuses on the life of John Balliol, a Scottish king.
Tennant's play tells the story from the point of view of ordinary people, like peasants. In the play, King John Balliol is shown as a "weak leader." His mother, Dervorguilla of Galloway, seems to have a lot of influence over him. John's main rival, Robert de Brus, 5th Lord of Annandale, is shown as a "noble hero." Even though John is seen as weak, his crowning as king is a big event, honored by "ten thousand nobles."
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About the Play: John Balliol
This play isn't just about history; it also includes some exciting supernatural parts. You'll find a character who can see the future, called a seer. There are also omens, which are signs that are believed to predict what will happen next. The play even talks about ghosts! Another writer, Valentina Bold, noticed that Tennant's play has many things in common with The Royal Jubilee, a play written in 1822 by James Hogg.
Who Were the Main Characters?
The play centers on two important figures in Scottish history:
- John Balliol: He was a real King of Scotland. In the play, he's shown as someone who struggles to lead. His mother, Dervorguilla, plays a big role in his life.
- Robert the Bruce: This character, based on the real Robert de Brus, is shown as a brave and honorable person. He is John Balliol's rival for the Scottish throne.
Ghosts and Omens: A Touch of Magic
To make the story more exciting, William Tennant added supernatural elements. These parts of the play include:
- A Seer: This is a person who can see into the future.
- Omens: These are mysterious signs or events that are thought to predict what will happen next.
- Ghosts: The play even mentions spirits, adding a spooky and mysterious feel to the historical drama.
About the Author: William Tennant
William Tennant was a Scottish poet and playwright. He wrote several works, but not all of them were successful. His play John Balliol was actually his second play that didn't do very well.
Was the Play a Hit?
Unfortunately for William Tennant, John Balliol was not a success. People didn't like it much, just like his earlier play, Cardinal Beaton. Many people felt that Tennant's later plays didn't live up to the promise of his earlier, more popular work called "Anster Fair." They wondered why his later plays weren't as good as his earlier, more lively poems.
