Why Renaissance playwrights portrayed atheists as compelling figures rather than just simple villains
In short: Alec Ryrie examines how sixteenth-century thinkers and dramatists navigated the concept of atheism. While often depicted as stock villains, these figures were frequently portrayed with a complexity that challenged the era's religious norms, revealing how individuals began to distance themselves from traditional faith.
In the Renaissance, the 'atheist' was a common trope, often grouped alongside witches as a standard villainous archetype. However, Shakespeare and his contemporaries frequently imbued these characters with a surprising, uncomfortable depth. This lecture explores the various strategies used to compartmentalize or reject religious influence during the sixteenth century.
The discussion highlights figures like Christopher Marlowe, who openly defied moral religious constraints, and Michel de Montaigne, who maintained his Catholic devotion by isolating his faith from the rest of his intellectual life. Recorded on 24th January 2019, the lecture is presented by Alec Ryrie, a Professor of the History of Christianity and a Fellow of the British Academy.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: How to be a Shakespearean Atheist - Alec Ryrie
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