Printed Drama and Political Instability in Mid-Seventeenth-Century Britain: The Literary Politics of Resistance and Distraction in Plays and Entertainments, 1649-1658

During the mid-seventeenth century in Britain, printed drama played a significant role in the literary politics of resistance and distraction. Royalist readers interpreted plays as resistance to the republic and protectoral governments, while plays with a classically republican Roman setting failed to offer a successful model for the new republic. Writers who supported the new republic and Cromwell's protectoral government proposed entertainments based on the concept of the sublime to create political amnesia in the audience and nullify any political dissatisfaction with a non-monarchical form of government.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the aftermath of the regicide of 1649, the printed drama in 1650s Britain took on a significant role in shaping political discourse and navigating the complex dynamics of the era. While royalist readers interpreted plays as resistance against the republic and protectoral governments, the reality of the royalist party's defeat in the Civil Wars often cast a shadow over these aspirations. Similarly, plays with classical republican Roman settings failed to provide a viable model for the emerging new republic. Consequently, writers who supported the new republic and eventually Cromwell's protectoral government sought to employ entertainments centered around the concept of the sublime to create a sense of political amnesia in the audience. This strategy aimed to nullify any political dissatisfaction with a non-monarchical form of government, thereby consolidating power and stability.

This volume, which delves into the literary politics of resistance and distraction in plays and entertainments during the mid-Seventeenth-Century, holds immense appeal to students and scholars of seventeenth-century literature as well as the political history of 1640s and 1650s Britain. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the ways in which printed drama played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and influencing political outcomes during a period of profound upheaval. By examining the interplay between drama and politics, this volume sheds light on the complex dynamics of power, resistance, and governance in a society transitioning from a monarchy to a republic.

The regicide of 1649 marked a pivotal moment in British history, ushering in a period of political instability and uncertainty. The royalist party, defeated in the Civil Wars, faced a challenging landscape as they sought to navigate the new political landscape. Plays, as a form of popular entertainment, became a powerful tool for expressing and shaping political ideologies. Royalist plays, for instance, often portrayed the monarchy as a symbol of resistance against the republic and protectoral governments. These plays sought to rally support for the royalist cause and instill a sense of nostalgia for the old order.

However, the discrepancy between the aspirational content of these plays and the realities facing the royalist party became increasingly apparent. The Civil Wars had left the royalist party in disarray, with many members facing persecution and exile. The plays, while appealing to the royalist sentiment, failed to offer a viable solution for the challenges they faced. Consequently, writers who supported the new republic and eventually Cromwell's protectoral government sought to employ entertainments centered around the concept of the sublime to create a sense of political amnesia in the audience.

The sublime, as defined by the French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, is a concept that evokes a sense of awe, wonder, and fear. It is characterized by its ability to transcend the ordinary and provoke a sense of transcendence in the viewer. In the context of seventeenth-century Britain, the sublime was employed as a tool to create a sense of political amnesia. By presenting the audience with awe-inspiring spectacles and dramatic events, writers hoped to distract them from their political dissatisfaction and undermine any support for the new republic.

One notable example of this strategy is the play "The Siege of Rhodes" by John Fletcher. Written in 1650, the play portrays the siege of the Greek city of Rhodes by the Ottoman Empire. The play is filled with dramatic scenes of bravery, heroism, and sacrifice, which evoke a sense of awe and admiration in the audience. The play's message is clear: the monarchy is a symbol of resistance against the republic and protectoral governments, and the royalist cause is worth fighting for.

However, the play's portrayal of the monarchy as a resistance movement is not entirely accurate. The Civil Wars had left the royalist party in disarray, with many members facing persecution and exile. The play's portrayal of the monarchy as a unified and powerful force is a romanticized version of reality. Furthermore, the play's focus on the heroic actions of individual characters rather than the broader political context fails to address the complex issues facing the royalist party.

Another example of this strategy is the play "The Roman Actor" by Thomas Middleton. Written in 1654, the play portrays the life of a Roman actor who is caught up in the political turmoil of the Roman Empire. The play is filled with dramatic scenes of political intrigue, corruption, and violence, which evoke a sense of awe and fascination in the audience. The play's message is clear: the Roman Empire is a symbol of resistance against the republic and protectoral governments, and the Roman way of life is worth preserving.

However, the play's portrayal of the Roman Empire as a unified and powerful force is also a romanticized version of reality. The Roman Empire was a complex and fragmented society, with different regions and provinces experiencing their own political struggles and conflicts. The play's focus on the heroic actions of individual characters rather than the broader political context fails to capture the complexity and diversity of the Roman world.

In conclusion, the printed drama in 1650s Britain played a significant role in shaping political discourse and navigating the complex dynamics of the era. While royalist plays sought to rally support for the royalist cause and instill a sense of nostalgia for the old order, the realities facing the royalist party often cast a shadow over these aspirations. Writers who supported the new republic and eventually Cromwell's protectoral government sought to employ entertainments centered around the concept of the sublime to create a sense of political amnesia in the audience. By presenting awe-inspiring spectacles and dramatic events, writers hoped to distract the audience from their political dissatisfaction and undermine any support for the new republic. While these strategies were successful in consolidating power and stability, they also failed to address the complex political and social issues facing the society of the time.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032436678