Revenge Tradition from "summary" of Elizabethan Revenge Tragedy, 1587-1642 by Fredson Thayer Bowers
The revenge tradition is an important part of Elizabethan theatre, with plays focused on stories of betrayal, justice, and retribution. It is a timeless theme that continues to resonate with audiences today.- The concept of revenge has been around for a long time; it was part of everyday life in Elizabethan England.
- In these plays, the hero would seek to avenge an insult or murder by carefully plotting against the transgressor.
- Popular themes include great offence taken wreaking havoc on a family's reputation and lives ruined through pride and false accusations.
- Characters were driven by passion and subject to influences beyond their control which sometimes resulted in mistaken identity and ironic outcomes.
- These stories reflect the dynamics of early modern society with its preoccupation with honour and sense of justice that could be satisfied only through acts of revenge.
- Social norms were challenged and ethical dilemmas posed as heroes became tangled up in their own blood feuds.
