Tyranny and Usurpation: The New Prince and Lawmaking Violence in Early Modern Drama

The emergence of the "tyrant by entrie or the usurper" as the main antihero of political drama in the middle years of the sixteenth century marked a shift from the previous "tyrant by administration." This usurper, known as the "principe nuove," created his sovereignty through his own "virtù" and an act of "lawmaking violence." Early Tudor morality plays focused on legitimate monarchs who became tyrants, while the historical and tragic plays of the late Elizabethan and Jacobean periods featured illegitimate monarchs. Usurpation became a preoccupation in English theatre due to political, historical, legal, and dramaturgical transformations. Tyranny and Usurpation: The New Prince and Lawmaking Violence is the first book-length study to explore this topic, challenging disciplinary boundaries and engaging with critical questions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 04 February 2019
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

In the mid-sixteenth century, English drama experienced a significant shift in the portrayal of antiheroes, with the emergence of the 'tyrant by entrie or the usurper' taking center stage. This new character, often referred to as the 'principe nuove' in Machiavellian terms, stood in contrast to the earlier 'tyrant by administration,' becoming the primary antagonist in political plays. Unlike the morality plays of the early Tudor era, which primarily focused on the legitimate monarch who descended into tyranny, the political drama of this period lacked any instances of usurpation. However, as the sixteenth century progressed, a notable change occurred. The historical and tragic plays of the late Elizabethan and Jacobean periods were filled with illegitimate monarchs, usurping or threatening to usurp sovereign power.

This shift in the narrative can be attributed to various political, historical, legal, and dramaturgical factors. On a political level, the rise of powerful nobles and the decline of royal authority played a significant role in shaping the dynamics of power struggles. The desire for personal gain and the pursuit of political ambition often led to individuals seeking to seize control of the throne, regardless of their legitimate claims.

Historically, the turbulent times of the English Civil Wars and the Wars of the Roses provided fertile ground for the exploration of usurpation themes. The constant political instability and the rise of powerful individuals who challenged traditional monarchical structures fueled the fascination with the concept of illegitimate rule.

Legal developments also played a role in shaping the portrayal of usurpation in drama. The increasing importance of the common law and the notion of individual rights further complicated the concept of legitimate succession and challenged the authority of the monarchy.

Dramaturgically, the rise of the new genre of tragedy, particularly in the late Elizabethan and Jacobean periods, allowed for the exploration of complex moral dilemmas and the consequences of unchecked power. Usurpation became a powerful tool for writers to explore themes of ambition, corruption, and the abuse of authority.

Tyranny and Usurpation: The New Prince and Lawmaking Violence, a groundbreaking book-length study, aims to address these critical questions and challenge existing disciplinary boundaries. By delving into the portrayal of usurpation and tyranny in sixteenth-century drama and politics, the book seeks to understand the political, historical, legal, and dramaturgical transformations that influenced and were influenced by this moment of emergence.

The book explores the historical context of usurpation in sixteenth-century England, examining the rise

The book explores the historical context of usurpation in sixteenth-century England, examining the rise of powerful nobles, the decline of royal authority. authority, and the complex political dynamics that shaped the power struggles of the era. It also examines the legal developments that contributed to the erosion of traditional monarchical structures and the emergence of the concept of individual rights.

The book also delves into the dramaturgical implications of usurpation, exploring how it was used as a tool to explore themes of ambition, corruption, and the abuse of authority. It examines the ways in which writers used usurpation to challenge traditional narratives of legitimacy and to explore the moral dilemmas faced by characters who sought to seize power.

Furthermore, the book explores the legacy of usurpation in sixteenth-century drama and politics, examining how it continues to resonate in contemporary society. It examines the ways in which usurpation themes are still present in popular culture, from television shows and movies to political debates and social movements.

Tyranny and Usurpation: The New Prince and Lawmaking Violence is a valuable contribution to the field of English literature and history, offering a fresh perspective on the portrayal of power and authority in sixteenth-century drama. It will be of interest to scholars and students of English literature, history, politics, and drama, as well as anyone with an interest in the study of power and governance.

Weight: 239g
Dimension: 239 x 163 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786941688