Revenge and religion may not be words you would normally associate with each other. But Christianity was the official religion of England when The Revenger's Tragedy was written, so most of the characters talk about Christian ideals, even if you wouldn't catch them turning the other cheek to save their lives.
For instance, most of the characters hope for or fear God's judgment of people's actions, either now or after death. And because of religion, the original audience would see Vindice as being in a tough position: He desperately wants to see himself as being on the side of divine justice, but Christianity isn't so keen on personal revenge (see this podcast for more on that). Where does this leave our friendly neighborhood vigilante?
Questions About Religion
- The play talks a lot about the idea that God might enforce justice. Is there evidence in the play that God actually does that, or is it an open question from the story's perspective? If God does enforce justice in the play, how does that work? Is it through natural signs like comets, through the actions of authority figures like Antonio, or through the actions of vigilantes like Vindice? All of the above? Something else?
- Lots of the characters seem to believe in God, and even to believe that divine judgment awaits them. Does this affect their behavior, and if so, how? If it doesn't, what does this say about the role religion plays in society at large?
- Is Vindice doing the right thing in seeking vengeance, from the play's point of view? Or should he leave that up to God? Use the text to support your claim.
Chew on This
Good characters in this play think about religion as a guideline for living well right now. Bad characters in the play only think about how it affects eternal rewards and punishments.
Vindice's desire for revenge is suspect from a Christian point of view.