Read scene 10 of King of Shadows again, and answer the following questions. Q. What does the scene reveal about immorality and violence in Shakespeare’s days?

In chapter ten, Nat references some parallels and comparisons that are interesting. Most fascinating is that both his father and Shakespeare are writers. Both men had private studies in which they worked, and neither is to be disturbed when they are working. Not only does Shakespeare fill a fatherly void for Nat, but he has similar characteristics, as well.

The nameless lord's cryptic visit is another important element of this chapter. The lord warns Shakespeare to cancel the performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream requested by the Queen. The lord argues that in the current political climate, the Queen's safety is uncertain because she has not yet selected an heir to the thrown. Shakespeare refuses to cancel the performance, arguing he has no political investments. It is important to note Shakespeare's political stance in this chapter, because he will ultimately take actions during several upcoming performances that will defy his supposed political indifference. One of the instances is in this chapter, when Shakespeare inserts a compliment about the Earl of Essex into Henry V. The crowd cheers in support of the Earl.

The most out of place Nat finds himself in is when he perform the Heimlich maneuver on Roper to save him from choking on an apple. The maneuver was not formalized into the late 1970s, so when Nat performs the procedure on Roper, he stuns the members of the Chamberlain's Men who witness it. Without stepping in, Roper could have easily have died, so many company members assume Nat performed magic on Roper. Nat has no way of explaining his actions, and the rumors that he is a witch - albeit a benevolent one - begin to circulate.