Submission and defiance : crime in early modern English literature and culture

Berghorst, Lauren Mignon

Abstract

This dissertation details the representations of domestic crime and abuse in early modern English drama. It sets out to establish a context of abuse and women’s rights within the querelle des femmes, the religious guilt of women, and the controversial Swetnam debate. Following this, it delves into the practices of taming, and enforcing obedience within domestic spheres. Both physical and mental abuse is prevalent within these representations, and they are considered alongside contemporary conduct books and pamphlets. Upon thus far encountering the need for obedience within marriage and domestic spheres, the effects and stigmas surrounding rape and sexual assault are examined. Placing rape within the context of early modern literature and laws, a clear image emerges of women as the property of men, and their relative powerlessness over their fates. An emphasis on virtue, chastity, and obedience is once again enacted through the analyses of these sources. The final point explores adultery and infidelity in an early modern dramatic setting, as well as further proof of women being seen as property.

Female agency is represented alongside male anxiety throughout the sources discussed, and it establishes a clear picture of the presence of domestic crime, abuse, and assault on the early modern stage and the culture surrounding it; with this study introducing new aspects to existing theories relating to the conducted research.

Citation

Berghorst, L. M. (2020). Submission and defiance : crime in early modern English literature and culture. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4223004

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Mar 26, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: English
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4223004
• Additional Information: Department of English, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Sep 1, 2020