Revenge

Question 1

What does Lily Campbell identify?

Answer 1

‘a persistent condemnation of revenge in the ethical teaching of Shakespeare’s England’ - in scripture, writings sucha s The Mirror For Magistrates, pamphlets..
BUT, a tension between this and the need for justice in order to preserve the order of the state

Question 2

Pamphlet - The Cry and Revenge of Blood by Thomas Cooper

Answer 2

“Surely where man usually ends, God beginneth…”

Question 3

• Thomas Beard, Theatre of Gods Judgements

Answer 3

For though it may seeme for a time that God sleepeth, and regardeth not the wrongs and oppression of his servants, yet he never faileth to carry a watchfull eie upon them, and in his fittest time to revenge himselfe upon their enemies.’

Question 4

What does Lily Campbell argue is the ultimate theme of Renaissance tragedy?

Answer 4

‘the great tragic theme of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century teaching is this theme of God’s revenge for sin. ‘
Sin - punished by god or by man - underlies all theatre of this time?

Question 5

What could also be used by God?

Answer 5

Another person as an instrument of vengeance - think about how this fits in with predestination etc

Question 6

What is the question of ghosts in drama?

Answer 6

Could be either seen as legitimate appearances of the dead (Catholic influence) or as feignings of the Devil (more protestant idea) - producing alternative readings or interpretations of the same text in contemporary audiences