Shakespeare and Catholicism

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of current research into the relevance of Catholic sources—and Catholic culture generally—in the age of Shakespeare. It outlines some Catholic features of his works, focusing particularly on evidence that Shakespeare was familiar with, and influenced by, the writings of the Jesuit, Robert Southwell. The purpose is not to speculate on what Shakespeare's own religious convictions may have been, but simply to draw attention to the continuing relevance of continuing Catholic culture, Catholic tradition and Catholic literary sources for the study of Shakespeare in particular and the period in which he lived in general.