Being Different in Elizabethan Society

The concept of being different was a significant theme in Elizabethan society and literature. While everyone is unique, societies often establish ideal norms based on criteria such as gender, sexuality, religion, appearance, and values.

Definition: Being different refers to standing out against others or being dissimilar to the established norm.

This otherness could lead to discrimination, sometimes escalating to violence and abuse. Minorities were particularly affected by discrimination, often finding it challenging to fight against exposed injustice.

Highlight: The recognition of individualism is crucial in eliminating discrimination, allowing people to celebrate their uniqueness and appreciate the differences of others.

Literary examples of being different include:

• "Othello": The protagonist is considered different due to his skin color, reflecting the treatment of Moors in Elizabethan England.
• "To Kill a Mockingbird":
  • Atticus is seen as different for advocating social equality and defending an African-American man.
  • Scout is considered different for preferring overalls to dresses, challenging gender norms.

Quote: These examples illustrate how "being different" was a central theme in literature, often reflecting real-life social dilemma examples and extreme situations.

The Elizabethan Era: England's Golden Age

The Elizabethan Era, spanning Queen Elizabeth I's reign from 1558 to 1603, was a time of relative political stability, exploration, and creativity.

Key aspects of this era include:

1. Religious reforms: The Elizabethan Religious Settlement of 1559 declared Elizabeth as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, allowing for both Protestant and Catholic interpretations.

2. Economic growth: A booming wool trade led to the growth of towns and cities.

3. Artistic flourishing: The arts, especially theatre, thrived during this period.

Example: The Globe Theatre in London became famous, showcasing works by playwrights like William Shakespeare.

4. Social order: The concept of the Great Chain of Being emphasized a well-balanced hierarchy in society and the universe.

Highlight: Themes of order and loss of order were common in Elizabethan literature, reflecting the era's societal changes.

This period, while celebrated as a golden age, also grappled with complex issues of race in Elizabethan England and changing social structures, providing rich material for literary works that explored dilemma situations and the challenges of being different.

Dilemmas and Extreme Situations in Elizabethan England

A dilemma is a situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives. In Elizabethan literature and society, dilemmas often arose from extreme situations, which were unconventional circumstances deviating from the norm.

Definition: Extreme situations are series of circumstances that deviate from the usual routine, often associated with uncertainty, risk, and time pressure.

These situations could lead to challenging dilemmas or physical and emotional conflicts, often resulting in extreme behaviors with undesirable consequences.

Factors contributing to extreme situations include:

1. Environmental factors: These influence living conditions, turning simple tasks into extreme situations.

Example: Natural disasters, pandemics, and racism are environmental factors that can create extreme situations.

2. Psychological factors: These influence emotions and can cause extreme reactions.

Highlight: Mental illnesses and extreme emotions like jealousy or anger can lead to irrational thinking, overreactions, or poor decision-making.

3. Physical factors: These push people to their physical limits in demanding tasks.

Example: Escaping dangers, fighting diseases, or struggling for survival in war or poverty are physical factors creating extreme situations.

Literary examples of dilemmas and extreme situations include:

• "Othello": The protagonist faces racism and jealousy, leading to self-doubt and irrational behavior.
• "To Kill a Mockingbird": Tom Robinson confronts racism, resulting in his unjust conviction despite innocence.
• "My Son the Fanatic": Parvez faces a dilemma between encouraging his son's Western adaptation or accepting his religious beliefs.

Highlight: These literary examples reflect the complex social dilemma examples prevalent in Elizabethan and Jacobean England, particularly concerning race relations.