Emotion and the Self in English Renaissance Literature: Reforming Contentment

This book explores the early modern concept of contentment as dynamic, protective, and productive, challenging the notion of passivity and stagnation. It examines Renaissance models of contentment as alternatives to Calvinist despair and reaffirms the value of formal concerns in studies of literature, religion, and affect.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive book delves into the profound concept of early modern contentment, an emotional and ethical principle that emerged as the pinnacle of English Protestant psychology and remained a central theme in English Renaissance literature. Theorists and literary critics have often equated contentment with passivity, stagnation, and resignation, overlooking its dynamic and multifaceted nature. However, this book sets out to uncover a more nuanced understanding of contentment, revealing it as a powerful force that encompasses resilience, protection, and productivity. While the roots of contentment can be traced back to classical and medieval philosophy, its significance grew exponentially during the English Reformation. Reformers recognized contentment as a means to safeguard the self and equip individuals to navigate the challenges of the external world. Their endeavors coexisted with representations and revisions of contentment by renowned authors such as Sidney, Spenser, Shakespeare, and Milton. By examining Renaissance models of contentment, this book offers alternative perspectives to Calvinist despair, challenges the scholarly emphasis on negative emotions, and reaffirms the importance of formal concerns in the study of literature, religion, and affect.

Introduction:
Early modern contentment, as explored in this book, emerged as a significant emotional and ethical principle during the English Renaissance. It gained prominence as a response to the transformative effects of the English Reformation, which challenged traditional religious beliefs and sought to redefine the relationship between individuals and the divine. The Reformation led to a renewed emphasis on personal salvation and individual responsibility, which in turn influenced the development of contentment as a means to achieve inner peace and fulfillment.

Theorists and Literary Critics:
Theorists and literary critics have often portrayed contentment as a passive and resigned state, associating it with stagnation and resignation. However, this book challenges these conventional interpretations by revealing contentment as a dynamic and protective force. It argues that contentment is not merely a state of being but a proactive approach to life that enables individuals to navigate the complexities of the external world with resilience and strength.

Early Modern Understanding of Contentment:
The early modern understanding of contentment was rooted in classical and medieval philosophy, particularly in the works of Plato and St. Augustine. These thinkers emphasized the importance of inner peace and the cultivation of virtuous qualities such as self-control and gratitude. However, the English Reformation brought about a new perspective on contentment, focusing on its role in preserving the self and preparing individuals to engage with the world.

Reformers and the Pursuit of Contentment:
The English Reformation saw reformers such as John Calvin and Martin Luther prioritize the pursuit of contentment as a means to achieve spiritual fulfillment and prepare individuals for the challenges of the world. Calvinist despair, characterized by a sense of hopelessness and futility, was seen as a threat to individual salvation. Therefore, reformers sought to cultivate contentment as a means to counter this despair and promote a positive outlook on life.

Renaissance Models of Contentment:
Renaissance authors, such as Sidney, Spenser, Shakespeare, and Milton, played a significant role in shaping the concept of contentment during the English Renaissance. These authors explored contentment through their literary works, portraying it as a desirable state that could be achieved through various means. For instance, Sidney's "Astrophel and Stella" portrays contentment as a result of spiritual fulfillment and the cultivation of virtuous qualities. Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" showcases contentment as a means to achieve inner peace and transcendence. Shakespeare's plays, including "Macbeth" and "Hamlet," explore the complexities of contentment and the consequences of pursuing worldly desires. Milton's "Paradise Lost" and "Paradise Regained" present contentment as a reward for those who have overcome temptation and achieved spiritual redemption.

Alternatives to Calvinist Despair:
The book offers alternatives to Calvinist despair by highlighting the positive aspects of contentment. It argues that contentment is not merely a means to avoid negative emotions but a tool for personal growth and development. Contentment enables individuals to cultivate self-awareness, self-control, and gratitude, which in turn promote emotional well-being and positive relationships with others.

Scholarly Emphasis on Negative Emotions:
The book challenges the scholarly emphasis on negative emotions by emphasizing the value of positive emotions such as contentment. It argues that negative emotions are not inherently harmful but can be managed and transformed through positive practices and attitudes. Contentment, on the other hand, is a positive emotion that can enhance overall well-being and contribute to a fulfilling life.

Formal Concerns in the Study of Literature, Religion, and Affect:
The book reaffirms the importance of formal concerns in the study of literature, religion, and affect. It argues that the study of contentment can be approached from various disciplinary perspectives, including literature, religious studies, and psychology. By integrating these perspectives, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between emotions, beliefs, and cultural contexts.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of early modern contentment, challenging traditional interpretations and revealing its multifaceted nature. It demonstrates how contentment can be a powerful force for personal growth, resilience, and spiritual fulfillment. By examining Renaissance models of contentment and exploring alternatives to Calvinist despair, this book contributes to the ongoing dialogue between literature, religion, and affect, offering valuable insights into the human experience.

ISBN-13: 9781009271660