Early Modern Homophobia in Edward II and the Life and Death of John Atherton

Same sex relationships, especially among males, have always been a controversial issue throughout the history. The intolerance, fear, hatred of, or prejudice against homosexuality is called ‘homophobia’, which has long existed side by side with homosexuality. People who do not follow conventional gender norms usually experience discrimination and harassment by homophobic people. Furthermore, homophobia could lead to violence, and as is seen in the history, it could even send those who are accused of sodomy and/or buggery, the terms that were used to refer same sex relationships, to the gallows, as well. Towards the Early Modern Era, the intolerance of homosexual behaviour grew particularly among the aristocracy and the clergy for they were expected to set good example to the society. Marlowe’s Edward II, and The Life and Death of John Atherton, the anonymous pamphlet about Lord Bishop of Waterford and Lismore are two literary works which deal with male homosexuality and homophobia in the Early Modern England. This article aims to examine the specific homophobic behaviour towards male homosexuality with its real motives in the Early Modern England with a deeper look into these two works.