Accusing the Christ Figure in Shakespearean Drama: Typological Imitations of Corpus Christi Cycle Trial Narratives
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Date
2007-01
Authors
Berg, Jamie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge Undergraduate Research Journal
Abstract
At first glance, the medieval Corpus Christi plays from N-Town, Wakefield,
and York detailing the events of Christ's crucifixion bear little resemblance
to secular renaissance dramas, such as the plays of Shakespeare.
However, further inspection reveals a fascinating phenomenon that
deserves exploration: despite the apparently non-religious nature of the
work, secular dramas often present their protagonists as typological
representations of Christ. In William Shakespeare's The Merchant of
Venice, for example, Antonio resembles Christ in that he is targeted by
Shylock, a “wolfish” Jewish figure who insists on upholding the law; this
approximates the way in which the Passion plays represent Christ as the
victim of bloodthirsty Jewish officials of the law. Similarly, Shakespeare's
The Winter's Tale depicts a female character, Hermione, who can be
interpreted as a Christ figure due to the events which befall her. Just as
Christ was unjustly accused, put on trial, crucified, and ultimately rose
again, so is Hermione unfairly accused of adultery, put on trial by her
husband, experiences an apparent death, and finally is “resurrected” when
her husband discovers her as a living statue at Paulina's house.
Description
Keywords
Corpus Christi Festival , Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616
Citation
Berg, Jamie (2006). Accusing the Christ Figure in Shakespearean Drama: Typological Imitations of Corpus Christi Cycle Trial Narratives. Lethbridge Undergraduate Research Journal, 1(2)