Explore Shakespeare's dramatization of religious issues and ideas. (Essay Sample)

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Explore Shakespeare's dramatization of religious issues and ideas.
Whether they were comedies, tragedies, or histories, most Shakespearean plays internalized Christian dogma in expressive ways. In numerous cases, these issues and concepts manifested themselves in characterization and thematic tendencies. While there were a few biblical parallels and religious texts in Shakespeare's works, most theological concerns were imprinted in the construction of characters, their reactions to various obstacles, and their convictions about how the world should work. Shakespeare's plays King Lear, Hamlet, and Othello contain many topics, including religious conflict, the inexplicability of God's will, compassion, reconciliation, and religious morality, among others.
The context of King Lear's composition demonstrates a familiarity with the Bible and Christian traditions. The drama will be dominated by the mystery of our existence and the inexplicability of God (Linley). This is evident throughout the play, particularly at the conclusion when the character Cordelia dies in a controversially tragic manner. The disagreements surrounding this tragedy highlight Catholic and other Christian views that God's judgment is a mystery to humans. Character relationships in King Lear exhibit norms of conduct that represent religious compassion, reconciliation, and morality.
In Hamlet, Shakespeare portrays the prince as a firm believer in Christian principles and the supremacy of God's will in all circumstances. This instills a sense of optimism and humanity. Hamlet demonstrates that human morality should be founded on God's will rather than human reason (Loewenstein and Witmore). Finally, Othello highlights the conflict between morality and secularism. This can be seen in the portrayal of the Moor as a chara