Tom Harriot, Jack's former guardian, is now approximately forty-three years old. He depends upon the patronage of Henry Percy, the Earl of Northumberland, for his livelihood and lives in a small house at Syon, the earl's primary residence. Walter Raleigh, formerly one of Harriot's patrons, continues to be confined to the Tower of London.
Two new historical figures are introduced in this story. Lucy Russell, Countess of Bedford, is a favorite of the king's wife, Anne of Denmark. In 1605, she is twenty-seven years old. Both she and the queen are avid patrons of the arts and participants in masques. Although women are still not allowed to perform on the stage, masques are not included in the prohibition. In these courtly entertainments, female and male courtiers, dressed in elaborate costumes, perform pantomimes and dances. Spoken parts are reserved for professional actors. Music is an integral part of the performances. Inigo Jones, one of England's most renowned architects, first made his mark at the English court through his elaborate set and costume designs for masques. In Powder Keg, Inigo is thirty-two years old and is just beginning to achieve fame. The Masque of Hymen is featured in this story. The painting below is of Lucy Russell wearing a costume designed by Inigo Jones for the same masque.
As you probably guessed, a story with this title doesn't just have courtly entertainment for a subject. On November 5, 1605, a group of Catholics tried to assassinate the king of England. The Gunpowder Plot, as it is known, had devastating consequences for one of Jack's friends in particular. This story is my daydream about how Jack's life would have been affected.
- Inigo Jones on Wikipedia
- Lucy Russell, Countess of Bedford on Wikipedia
- The Masque of Hymen on Wikipedia
- Gunpowder Plot
- Six-Crossed Knot on Fanfiction
- Six-Crossed Knot on Archive of our Own
- Six-Crossed Knot Pinterest board
- Six-Crossed Knot Story Summaries and Reference Page
No comments:
Post a Comment