The Notion of Banishment in Shakespeare`s Plays

This paper aims at exploring the purposes of the concept of banishment in Shakespeare`s
plays, its role and its outcome. Although Shakespeare used the notion of banishment in 14 out
of 38 plays, this paper will focus only on the plays that feature the so-called banishment by
degree which is present in 12 plays. The notion of banishment can be traced back to at least
ancient Athens. It was also a widespread practice to ban citizens or indeed, entire regions, in
the Roman Empire. In England banishment was used by Elizabeth I and her successor James
I. Among other classes, Elizabeth I banished Egyptians, Jesuits, beggars, Negroes and rebels.
James I expelled the recusants from the city of London. Since Shakespeare lived in this period,
he was probably acquainted with this practice. In Shakespeare the notion of banishment
serves a dramatic purpose, as Shakespeare used it to explore political, psychological and social
aspects of the involved characters and societies. The outcome of the banishment is usually
either death or self-fulfillment or in few cases is left unresolved. In several plays banishment
is followed by an act of revenge.