미시적 허구와 거시적 진실

Fiction vs. Truth: Reading History Reflected in Anthony and Cleopatra & The Widdow Ranter

This study aims to scrutinize how history is reflected in the following works of literature: William Shakespeare's Anthony and Cleopatra and Aphra Behn's The Widdow Ranter. Both Anthony and Cleopatra and The Widdow Ranter are concerned with people who rose to power in parallel with people who failed to do so. Both works conclude with the rise of a new order, and the tragic elements are juxtaposed with comedic traits. In other words, although the noble heroes (and at the same time, the failures) are highlighted in the plays, they make way for the better politicians or the commoners. In spite of the relative consistency of the characterization, the main characters tend to be described as ambiguous. Every person, winner or loser, is illuminated on the stage in terms of their different virtues. The writers seem to be searching for political and social solutions to the problems that they were facing back then. In that process, some fiction is inserted in the story, as a reflection of the spirit of the age. It is definite that the scientific and political development of the 17th century led to the belief in God's rationality and order, which is circulated throughout the two tragicomedies. This study, which was focused on the world views found in English literature of the 17th century, will be able to show that historical realities are inscribed in the works of literature, by means of figurative language, characterization, and symbolism.