SOURCE: Davidson, Peter H. “The Theme and Structure of The Roman Actor.” AUMLA: Journal of the Australasian University Languages and Literature Association 19 (May 1963): 39-56.

In the following essay, Davidson examines the structure of The Roman Actor and the connection it makes between kingship and the stage, noting that the play shows “metaphorically by means of the stage the essentially human nature of kings.”

The work of Philip Massinger does not appear unduly complex or profound and it is thus rather surprising that his plays should have aroused such divergent critical comments. Although very different views are most abundant in criticism of Massinger's language, other aspects of his work show an absence of critical agreement. For example, T. A. Dunn believes that ‘The divine right of kings … is accepted by Massinger, but with his own implications’,¹ whereas Emile Legouis states, Massinger ‘had no respect for the divine right of...