The Renaissance Discovery of Violence, from Boccaccio to Shakespeare

The works of Shakespeare and other early modern writers are filled with violence due to the decline of personal violence in Europe and the rise of warfare, which led to higher stakes and the New World becoming a target of invasion. Renaissance writers often anatomized violence and focused on its horrors and the need for force to protect national security and justice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2021
Publisher: Anthem Press

Many have pondered the abundance of violence in the works of Shakespeare and other early modern writers, encompassing murder and mayhem. This scholarly endeavor elucidates the mechanisms and reasons behind this phenomenon, placing the literature of the European Renaissance within the broader context of the history of violence. While personal violence experienced a decline in Europe during the fifteenth century, warfare became significantly more lethal, and the stakes involved in conflicts escalated as nation-states engaged in fierce competition for dominance and the New World became a coveted target for devastating invasions. It is worth noting that Renaissance writers occasionally celebrated violence, yet more frequently, they dissected it, emphasizing the suffering of both victims and warriors. Moreover, they grappled with the moral implications of violence, recognizing the necessity of using force to safeguard national security and uphold justice. In the realm of Renaissance writing, violence has shed its naivety, revealing a darker and more complex aspect of human nature.

Introduction:
The study of violence in Renaissance literature has been a subject of fascination for scholars for centuries. While personal violence declined in Europe during the fifteenth century, warfare became increasingly deadly, and the stakes of war soared as nation-states vied for dominance and the New World became a target of invasion. Renaissance writers often depicted violence in their works, but their portrayal of it was nuanced and complex. In this essay, we will explore the reasons behind the abundance of violence in Renaissance literature and the ways in which it was depicted.

Decline of Personal Violence:
Beginning in the fifteenth century, Europe experienced a decline in personal violence. This decline was due to a variety of factors, including the rise of Christianity, the development of state institutions, and the increasing influence of the bourgeoisie. Christianity promoted a moral code that emphasized peace and compassion, and state institutions provided a framework for social order and justice. The bourgeoisie, which emerged as a new social class during the Renaissance, valued education and commerce and were less likely to engage in violent behavior.

Warfare and the Stakes of War:
Despite the decline in personal violence, warfare in Renaissance Europe was still a significant part of life. The new nation-states that emerged during this period were eager to expand their territories and influence, and they often engaged in conflict with each other. The stakes of war were high, as they involved the loss of lives, the destruction of property, and the disruption of social and economic systems.

Violent Depictions in Renaissance Literature:
Renaissance writers were not afraid to depict violence in their works. They often used vivid and graphic language to describe the horrors of war, including the bloodshed, destruction, and suffering of both soldiers and civilians. Some writers even celebrated violence, portraying it as a necessary tool for achieving political or social goals.

Victims of Violence:
However, Renaissance writers were also inclined to focus on the victims of violence. They depicted the human cost of war, including the loss of loved ones, the displacement of communities, and the psychological trauma experienced by survivors. These writers often used the plight of victims to highlight the need for peace and the importance of avoiding conflict.

The Need for Force:
Renaissance writers recognized the need for force to protect national security and justice. They believed that violence was sometimes necessary to maintain order and prevent chaos. However, they also recognized the dangers of excessive use of force, which could lead to the abuse of power and the suffering of innocent people.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the abundance of violence in Renaissance literature was a reflection of the complex and multifaceted nature of the period. While personal violence declined, warfare became more lethal, and the stakes of war soared. Renaissance writers were not afraid to depict violence in their works, but they were also inclined to focus on the victims of violence and the need for force to protect national security and justice. The study of violence in Renaissance literature provides valuable insights into the social, political, and cultural dynamics of the period and helps us to understand the complexities of human nature.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839981470