How Shakespeare & History Make 'House of Cards' Such an Addicting Series
Hyperreal tragedy, chronicled points of reference and guilty pleasure.
With House of Cards season five currently available on Netflix, the show’s loyal devotees can once again catch Frank Underwood mid-schemes and plots in his attempts to take over the world. While the gripping storyline, talented cast and sound directorial leadership all play into the program’s veritable success, an instructional video has recently surfaced, which goes on to explain its rabid appeal. In relation to Shakespeare, the video alludes to the show’s hyperreal usage of tragedy and even compares to what Shakespearean audiences must have experienced when watching such plays. As also hinted, House of Cards also draws upon real-world history loosely referencing past political figures providing its audience with reference points to look back upon. Lastly, guilty pleasure refers to the dynamic parallel that lies between the central couple — Frank and Claire Underwood. As they continue to grow, love, evolve, and conspire together, many standing in their way eventually feel the duo’s true wrath, which from the outside provides the audience a reason to invest and cheer.
If you’re all caught up with the latest season of House of Cards, here’s the hottest films and TV shows dropping in June.
