Bigamy and Domestic Politics in Early Modern English Domestic Dramas: Taking The Tragedy of M. Arden of Feuershame* as an Example

This study explores the causes of bigamy in The Tragedy of M. Arden of Feuershame and its impact on both family and society. It highlights how the rise of commercial trade forced Arden, as a husband, to frequently leave his household, creating a power vacuum and neglect in family management that ultimately led to bigamy. The study also delves into the broader societal implications of bigamy, particularly how the murder of a husband is classified as petty treason-an act that symbolizes the collapse of patriarchal authority and the consequent disruption of communal order. The play is notable for its portrayal of Alice with two husbands, setting it apart from conventional bigamy cases. By examining the internal power dynamics within the family, this study demonstrates how bigamy destabilizes household harmony and reflects the gradual erosion of patriarchal authority in early modern England. Furthermore, the play holds significant literary value beyond its historical context. As New Historicism asserts, texts are inherently historical, providing profound insights into the societal and cultural dynamics of their time. Through its analysis of Arden's story, this study deepens our understanding of the causes and consequences of bigamy in early modern England.