ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how the Bastard uses the theatrical means of an actor to manipulate the members of the English Commonwealth into fulfilling their duties and thus maintains the stability of the Commonwealth. Shakespeare will test his Machiavellian character against several situations which prove that the Bastard is able to maintain his position and thereby support the good of the Commonwealth. John's weak performance signals the end of the Bastard's loyalty towards John's body private, as the man who has guaranteed the Bastard's progress into the royal family. Instead his loyalty shifts to the institution of the Crown and the English Commonwealth. While the war against France continues, England's attempt to invade Angiers has already created one winner: the Bastard. Throughout the play the Bastard's Machiavellian theatricality had deprived John of his role as active leader of the country, so it was in some way subversive.
