The Dynamics of War: A Dual Analysis of Dramaturgy in Shakespeare’s King Henry IV, Part I and Hannibal Barca’s Relationship with Ancient Carthage

Abstract

This senior project focuses on the various facets of ancient and medieval warfare. It is also compiled into two separate parts. The first part is a discussion of the dramaturgical process taken in creating a performance of King Henry IV, Part I at SUNY Purchase. The creation of a "historical collage" in the production's costuming, props, settings and story was supported by a wide variety of Shakespearean research and world building, successfully achieved through the creation of the production's lobby display. The second part is an analysis of the relationship between the ancient civilization of Carthage and Hannibal Barca, its legendary general, before, during and after the Second Punic War. Using a variety of historical evidence and modern scholarship for support, this thesis examines how Hannibal and Carthage's dynamic evolved over the course of the general's life, and how this same dynamic would go on to spell doom for the ancient city, both for the outcome of the war and beyond.