I tie the performance of witches on Early Modern stage into James’ marriage to Anne of Denmark, his activity in the witch trials that resulted from that marriage, and his own performance of heterosexuality and fitness for the English throne. I argue that with the ascension of James in 1603, who becomes king already freighted with a long association with witchcraft, there is palpable shift in the content of such plays from fantastic magic to specifically demonic witchcraft, specifically looking at Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus and Shakespeare’s Macbeth as examples of the change. I start by briefly charting the history of magic and witchcraft in Early Modern plays, starting with the first generation of the professional playwrights in the 1580s, through its flowering in the first decade of the 17th Century and its decline in the 1620s and 1630s. My paper investigates the complex intersection between witchcraft, drama, and politics that this witchmark represents. It was put there by workers in 1606, just after the Gunpowder Plot, to protect the King James from witchcraft during his visit to the house. This thesis is organized chronologically, with individual sections highlighting the events which gave rise to the witch panics, the political climate at the time, the trials, and Daemonologie itself.Ī few months ago, a witchmark was found in the rafters of Knole House in Kent. During the course of this research, numerous sixteenth-century documents, including personal correspondence, trial records and contemporary accounts were examined in order to determine the many intricacies connecting James, the witch trials, and Daemonologie, as well as the complex nature of their relationship. Ultimately, James’ involvement in the trials and the writing of Daemonologie served to affirm his authority by underlining his belief in his God-given right to rule, and legitimized his unstable regime by reinforcing his authority over both the Kirk and his government. James’ treatise, Daemonologie, which is unique in that it is the only work of its kind written by an early modern European monarch, reflects both his involvement in the witch trials, as well as his views regarding kingship. The witch-hunts which occurred in 1590-1 reflect James’ reaction to this conflict, and illustrate his ability to manipulate the existing events in order to further his own aims namely to reinforce his divine right to rule, as well as assert the legitimacy of his throne. This belief led to conflict between James and his Kirk, with the Presbyterian ministers overtly questioning his ability to rule effectively. King James believed in the theory of divine right, and that he was accountable only to God. This thesis examines the connection between the personal and political ideologies of King James VI of Scotland, his involvement in the two mass witch panics which took place during 1590-, and the writing of his treatise, Daemonologie, all of which occurred at a time of religious, social and political turmoil during the late sixteenth century.
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