Boundaries In English And Muslim Nations - Case Study Example

Introduction The age of discovery in England was one which led to cross – cultural influences as well as diversity which was portrayed in the community. A perspective which was used to define the discovery was based on relationships which were built with foreign soils and which were portrayed in specific ways through literature. The interaction between Muslim and Christian nations became one of the basic components during this time. From the relationships which were built from the different nations, there was the ability to create a specific sense of identity while defining boundaries between the two nations. The interaction between economy, culture and politics were three of the driving forces between the two groups. These led to a definition of identity between the two cultures and a sense of misunderstandings. The historical affiliations of the time demonstrated a sense of stereotypes and division which occurred with the interactions between both Muslim and English nations. When reading The Renegado, there is an understanding of how identity and stereotype was built from the interactions between nations. Interaction between Post – Reformation England and Muslims The interactions which occur in The Renegado begin with defining the economic relationships which are built. The renegades of this time were also referred to as pirates, specifically because they were known to trade different items across nations then turned to sealing wealth from each nation when traveling. Europe was known for the trade with the Islamic countries, specifically because of the belief that the goods were esoteric in nature and would offer more opportunity for wealth building among the nation. Spices, silks and books were the main items which were transferred between borders and created interactions between England and the Muslims. There were also beliefs in the ancient wisdom and historical and mythical reality which could be shared across nations and which many in Europe turned toward in an economical way. The exchange of knowledge, as well as the exchange in goods, then became two of the basic ways in which interactions between the two nations occurred (Wilson, 19: 2003). The economic interactions and affiliations which were built between England and Muslims are demonstrated in The Renegado, specifically with the affiliation of the main character as a pirate and the individual in England as a merchant. The interaction which is displayed from the beginning is how the concept of being a part of the economics of a region is also representative of the nation and religion in which one belongs to. This demonstrates how the business is conducted as well as what exchange is done between the different nations. When Vitelli is interacting with Gazet, he states: “Vitel: You are a knave sir: Leaving your roguery, think upon my business, It is no time to fool now. Remember where you are too: though this maritime We are allow’d free trading, and with safety, Temper your tongue, and meddle not with the Turks, Their manners, nor religion” (Massinger, 128: 2000). This is one of several examples where the interactions are based on free trade; however, there is also an understanding with the affiliations between the different nations, specifically with reference to how the religions interact with the economic agreements between England and the Muslims. The second type of interaction which is displayed through the play is from the political tensions which were a part of this time, specifically because of the Crusades. The Crusades intertwined both politics and religion, specifically because of the meaning as the Holy War. The main component was one which led to different murders and many who were considered barbarians among the different sides in England and among the Muslims. The tensions created from the political affiliations led specifically to the desire to have an imperial power over each of the nations. However, this became important not only because of the changes with political tensions, but also because this created a different social identity among nations. The interactions changed specifically because of the prejudice which began to arise between England and Muslims and the understanding that different powers were currently trying to shape each of the regions (Fuchs, 45: 2000). The Renegadoes demonstrates these specific political and social interactions between the two nations, which translates into the religious and political controversies of the time. The main character, as the renegade, represents this most. This is seen first through his beginning actions, which are perceived as rebellious and barbaric by those who are in England. There is a direct relation to this with the laws of England and how others from different countries defy this, such as through acts of piracy. However, a different perspective would have linked this to open trade and the need to offer fair value, which often didn’t occur because of the stereotypes linked to politics. By the end of the play, there is an understanding that the political affiliations that are related to the social and economic portrayal of Muslims is one which is conquered and overcome as the renegade becomes a Christian and repents against what he has done. The political association is one which is based on the perspective that Christianity is more civilized and carries a higher demeanor than the actions through Muslim belief, specifically shown when the renegade decides to repent against his past life. Defining Muslim Identity The Muslim identity is another way in which the perception is changed both with those that are on English soil and from the different Middle Eastern cultures. Muslim identity in the English area is one which is displayed through misunderstanding and the wrong interpretation of how individuals live. This is one which is based on prejudice, stereotypes and the belief that the private lives of those that are in the land are barbaric toward others. For instance, when speaking about women in the Muslim countries, Donusa states “I have heard that Christian ladies live with much more freedom than such as are born here. Our jealous Turks, never permit their fair wives to be seen, but at the public bagnios, or the mosques, and, even then, veil’d and guarded. Thou, Carazie, wert born in England; what’s the custom there, Among you women?” (Massinger, 134: 2000). These types of phrases show that there is a misunderstanding of the Muslim identity, specifically which is based on capturing the different individuals who are subjected to the men of the nation and living with unfair treatment and a lack of freedom. This is based specifically on the nature of the war that is occurring and misconceptions which are a pat of the perceptions in England. The way in which the concept of Muslim identity is portrayed through the private affairs with men and women was one which was well – known throughout England during this time. The reign of Queen Elizabeth was during this time, which created an impression both politically and socially that women had a sense of freedom, power and sense in the nation. More important, the way in which the Queen approached different parts of society, such as trade, allowed the Ottoman and English to have more open trade while incorporating the patriarchal society with women who could offer the same level of assistance for more stimulation within the economy. The exchange of women was known to begin during this time as well, which allowed women to travel and to have a higher sense of freedom and cultural formation while understanding the patriarchal relations among the nation. When looking at the Muslim identity, the women created an understanding that the Christians had a more open economy, ability to have freedom in society and no longer had to struggle for the power and freedom of Muslims. The literature of the time represents these specific attitudes in the creation of both English and Muslim identity of the household and social aspects of the region (Andrea, 13: 2007). The concept of identity which was approached by women and the public sphere was then furthered into the significance of creating different religious identities through the perspectives of the transformation. The reign of Elizabeth, concepts of religion and virtue, government patronage and the patriotism toward the rulers of the time were some of the driving forces in England. From the social perspective of the political reign and the political power over economics, was also a belief of a sense of freedom, superiority and growth of England over other nations. The imperialist view which became a part of England was then seen as a main perspective, not only in terms of gender identity, but also while portraying the way in which different societies functioned. According to those on English soil, there was a sense of inferiority over the education and understanding of England, specifically because of the concepts of the Reformation (Evenden, Freeman, 7: 2010). The concept of superiority which was noted because of the political changes is also seen through The Renegado. This is seen specifically through the last words of Asenberg who is known to hold political powers in Muslim countries. Asmberg reflects the perspective in English literature of the superiority over Muslim culture. After finding out the betrayal of the renegade, or merchant, who has also taken the princess, he states that this is related directly to the politics and identity of the nation. He states his sense of inferiority to what has occurred and to the English nation through his last words. “No more. O my crudelity! I am too full of grief and rage to speak. Dull, heavy fool! Worthy of all the tortures that the frown of thy incensed master can throw on thee, without one man’s compassion! I will hide this head among the deserts, or some cave fill’d with my shame and me; where I alone may die without a partner in my room” (Massinger, 232-233: 2000). The Muslim identity, as portrayed through Asenberg shows a sense of inferiority with the political powers because of the betrayal which has happened. The same lack of powers is followed by the lack of belief and inferiority with the Muslim beliefs because of the lack of compassion and the shame which is noted by Asenberg. These are important in defining the belief in English literature of the superiority of England, patriotism to the land and the belief that Christianity and English rule have beliefs that are truer than the Muslim nations. Stereotypes of Islamic Tradition The main ideal which is created from the political, social and economic influences of the English literature and The Renegado, is to show the different stereotypes which are a part of the Christian beliefs and which focus on Islamic tradition. The main ideal comes from the power structures which were at war at the time and which were based on the desire to overrule the Muslims from The Crusades. There were many that combined the religious and political movements with personal stereotypes and beliefs which were a part of the region. It was believed that those who followed Islamic tradition were ruthless, power hungry and which had a desire for destruction. It was also believed that there was a lack of humanism among those that were practicing Islam because of the nature of the Crusades which were occurring. The conflict led into a sense of superiority over ideas of humanism, progression and being superior to the belief that Muslims were savage in nature (Dimmock, 21: 2005). The concepts of superiority and inferiority, as seen through the stereotypes created toward Islam, continue with the different expectations that came from English plays. These were used to further the stereotypes and relationships between the two nations. Often, those in Christianity were depicted as being superior to other countries with strength, armor, bravery and other concepts which were associated with the culture of the time. This was combined with the belief that the political powers and the heroes in English literature would always win. The stereotypes continued with the belief that those who practiced Islam not only had an inferior demeanor, but that the behaviors of those in the countries led to most turning against one another instead of having to fight off those in battle. Creating this sense of division with the stereotypes in literature then provide a sense of superiority and a set of progressive features among those practicing Islam (McJannet, 146: 2006). The concept of being a superior group over Islam as the main stereotype is also referred to in The Renegato. The way in which this is perceived moves into the culture and the religion throughout the book, where the English nature, religion and culture is defined as the angelic, or good, nature, while the Muslim stereotype is often referred to as the demonic side of culture. This immediately creates a sense of inferiority over the Muslim culture, with the belief by those who are writing the literature that the Islamic nature is to turn against one another and cause complexities, confusion and loss through their actions. This is demonstrated with the conflict between Vitelio as the English side and Asam, who represents the stereotypical Muslim. “Vitel: But that I know The devil, thy tutor, fills each part about thee, And that I cannot play the exorcist to dispossess thee, unless I should tear Thy body limb to limb, and throw it to the furies, that expect it; I would now pluck out that wicked tongue, that hath blasphemed the great Omnipotency, at whose nod the fabric of the world shakes” (Massinger, 208: 2000). This particular quote is one of several that define the Muslim stereotype. Asam is referred to as the devil, specifically because of the religious beliefs that he holds and the way in which he has approached the commerce and political affiliations throughout the play. The stereotype is furthered as Vitelio states how he goes against the true religion of God, which is Christianity and works in savage ways. These different stereotypes are able to create a specific understanding of the stereotypes that were in literature during this time because of religious beliefs. Conclusion The interactions between Muslim and English identities created several conflicts economically, socially and politically. The different conflicts were based specifically on the concept of the misunderstanding of identity. This also linked directly to the lack of understanding with identity because of the Reformation, associations with Queen Elizabeth, the Crusades and the free trade which was occurring at the same time. The result was those who carried the English identity displayed a sense of superiority with the interactions between Muslims, specifically because of the conflicts associated with the time frame. References Andrea, Bernadette. (2007). Women and Islam in Early Modern English Literature. UK: Cambridge University Press. Dimmock, Matthew. (2005). New Turkes: Dramatizing Islam and the Ottomans in Early Modern England. UK: Ashgate Publishing Limited. Evenden, Elizabeth, Thomas Freeman. (2010). Religion and the Book in Early Modern England. UK: Cambridge University Press. Fuchs, Barbara. (2000). “Faithless Empires: Pirates, Renegadoes, and the English Nation.” ELH 67 (1), 45-69. Massinger, Philip. (2000). The Plays of Philip Massinger: The Renegado. London: Lackington and Co. McJannet, Linda. (2006). The Sultan Speaks: Dialogue in English Plays and Histories about the Ottoman Turks. New York: Macmillan. Wilson, Peter. (2003). Pirate Utopias: Moorish Corsairs and European Renegados. New York: Autonomedia. Read More