2 Resistance theory, tyrannicide and the trope of the ‘Evil Jesuit’
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Shanyn Altman
Abstract
This chapter examines the various, and often conflicting, views towards the relationship between resistance and martyrdom in early modern England, from those who believed that Catholics were to show total resistance to the Protestant State, to those who believed that one could be both devoutly Catholic and loyal to the State. It goes on to situate Donne within this debate and argues that he, like the appellants, sought to collapse the opposition between Catholics and Protestants by creating an alternative dichotomy between conformity and nonconformity. By examining his representation of the Society of Jesus in particular, this argument challenges the view that Donne’s condemnation of the Jesuits was a reaction to the suffering that he witnessed within his own family. Instead, this chapter seeks to place Donne’s anti-Jesuitism within a literary and historical tradition that sought to overturn the common precept that acts of resistance against the State could lead to martyrdom.
Abstract
This chapter examines the various, and often conflicting, views towards the relationship between resistance and martyrdom in early modern England, from those who believed that Catholics were to show total resistance to the Protestant State, to those who believed that one could be both devoutly Catholic and loyal to the State. It goes on to situate Donne within this debate and argues that he, like the appellants, sought to collapse the opposition between Catholics and Protestants by creating an alternative dichotomy between conformity and nonconformity. By examining his representation of the Society of Jesus in particular, this argument challenges the view that Donne’s condemnation of the Jesuits was a reaction to the suffering that he witnessed within his own family. Instead, this chapter seeks to place Donne’s anti-Jesuitism within a literary and historical tradition that sought to overturn the common precept that acts of resistance against the State could lead to martyrdom.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Acknowledgements viii
- Note on sources x
- Introduction 1
- 1 Absolutism and the moderation of religion 23
- 2 Resistance theory, tyrannicide and the trope of the ‘Evil Jesuit’ 73
- 3 Volunteerism and self- sovereignty in discourses on martyrdom 111
- Conclusion 153
- Bibliography 163
- Index 180
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Acknowledgements viii
- Note on sources x
- Introduction 1
- 1 Absolutism and the moderation of religion 23
- 2 Resistance theory, tyrannicide and the trope of the ‘Evil Jesuit’ 73
- 3 Volunteerism and self- sovereignty in discourses on martyrdom 111
- Conclusion 153
- Bibliography 163
- Index 180
