Introduction: The Question of Nature vs. Nurture
Shakespeare’s works are rich with complex characters and intricate moral dilemmas, and one of the most fascinating themes that emerges is the question of villainy—whether it is a product of birth or a conscious choice. In particular, the theme of bastardy runs like a thread through many of his plays, challenging audiences to consider how societal perceptions shape individual identity. Are these characters doomed from birth due to their illegitimacy, or do they make active choices that lead them down a path of villainy? This essay will delve into the lives of Shakespeare’s bastards and explore how their status influences their actions and perceptions in society.
The Bastard Archetype in Shakespeare’s Plays
One cannot discuss the theme of bastardy without mentioning Edmund from “King Lear.” As an illegitimate son, Edmund embodies ambition and manipulation from the start. His birthright is denied him, yet he decides to seize power by any means necessary. Unlike his legitimate brother Edgar, who represents honor and morality, Edmund sees his illegitimacy as an opportunity rather than a burden. He declares in Act I, Scene II: “Why brand they us with base? With baseness? Bastardy?” Here, we see him grappling with societal stigma but ultimately choosing to embrace villainy as part of his identity.
Another compelling figure is Richard III from “Richard III,” who also operates under the weight of being an outsider due to physical deformities and social standing. Though not a bastard in the traditional sense (he is born legitimate), Richard’s self-perception as less deserving pushes him toward ruthless ambition. His infamous line “I am determined to prove a villain” illustrates that he sees villainy not just as an option but as a fate he has chosen for himself—one that transcends societal expectations about legitimacy or virtue.
Bastardy as Social Commentary
Shakespeare uses bastardy not just for character development but also as social commentary on Elizabethan norms surrounding legitimacy and honor. In “Much Ado About Nothing,” we encounter Don John—the bastard brother who revels in causing chaos because he feels alienated from the family unit that honors his legitimate brother Claudio. Don John’s resentment fuels his malicious actions; however, it’s worth noting that while he does make choices leading to villainous acts, those choices are deeply influenced by his status as an outcast.
This raises an intriguing question: can society be held responsible for shaping individuals into villains based on their circumstances? Don John’s behavior appears almost predictable when considering how marginalized he feels within familial structures meant to celebrate unity and loyalty. Similarly, King Lear’s portrayal provides insight into how society often assigns value based on legitimacy rather than individual merit or character.
The Role of Choices in Defining Villainy
While it’s clear that bastardy plays a significant role in influencing Shakespearean characters’ trajectories towards villainy, it would be reductive to argue that it solely determines their fates. Characters like Edgar highlight this complexity; despite being born legitimate yet having challenges thrown at him—including betrayal by family—he rises above adversity through virtue and strength rather than succumbing to malice.
This juxtaposition begs us to reflect on whether villains like Edmund and Don John are simply products of their environments or if they actively choose paths away from virtue out of sheer willpower or selfishness. It suggests that while society may set obstacles before them due to their status—leading some characters toward immorality—it ultimately falls upon them whether they wish to walk those dark paths.
The Tragic Legacy: Is There Redemption?
A key aspect lies in whether these characters find redemption throughout Shakespeare’s narratives—or if they remain shackled by the chains of choice intertwined with circumstance. For instance, Edmund meets his end without any sense of remorse or acknowledgment for those affected by his decisions—a classic tragic arc devoid of redemption steeped further by recognition at death’s door regarding what could have been different had he made alternate choices earlier on.
On the other hand, characters like Edgar stand tall against adversity despite facing shameful treatment owing primarily due not only fulfilling but exceeding expectations tied heavily into legitimacy—a powerful takeaway reminding us about resilience amid life’s tribulations!
Conclusion: A Duality That Defines Us All
Ultimately, Shakespeare’s exploration into bastardy serves not merely as storytelling fodder but invites deeper contemplation about humanity itself—the duality between nature versus nurture resonating well beyond stagecraft! Whether we witness great tragedy unfold within familial bonds torn apart through illegitimacy (like Lear) or consider ambitious plots arising amidst personal grievances (like Richard), it all highlights how our beginnings influence paths taken along moral landscapes filled either with lightness shining brightly alongside good intentions…or shadows lurking menacingly threatening downfall via greed! Thus remains one central truth: every human faces choices impacting lives around them regardless if labeled ‘bastard’ within confines dictated solely upon birth!”
References
- Bloom, Harold. *William Shakespeare: The Invention Of The Human*. Riverhead Books, 1998.
- Kottman , Paul . *Shakespeare And The Uncanny*. University Of Michigan Press , 2010 .
- Muir , Kenneth . *The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare*. Longman , 1995 .
- Sternfeld , Jessica . *Illegitimate Children In Early Modern England.* Palgrave Macmillan , 2017 .
- Tillyard , E.M.W.. *The Elizabethan World Picture*. Vintage Books , 1959 .
