Abstract
This chapter presents the basic elements of Shakespearean ‘conversion.’ Following Spenser’s Faerie Queene, Shakespeare presents erotic, sexual lust as one way people are moved into a converted, Protestant lifestyle. The enemies of such lust are those Luther envisioned, hypocrites who claimed to be ‘celibate,’ opposing lust vociferously but engaging in it voraciously. This attitude describes Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, as well as other ‘soldier’ types; severing Eros from Aphrodite, they gain the power and pleasure of lust (including the ability to cuckold other men) without bearing love’s emotional consequences. Moreover, their detestable but also ‘reasonable’ aversion to love prompts Shakespeare’s counter-reaction, mocking reason. For Shakespeare, reason plays no role in love—those who pretend it does only do so out of a misguided fear of Eros as God’s surrogate angel.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
