During the Elizabethan era, England was primarily a Protestant country, which meant that the Church of England and its practices were followed by most of the population. As a result, Queen Elizabeth I was seen as the head of the Church, and people accepted the notion of Divine Right, where it was believed that God appointed kings and queens to rule over their respective lands. This was a significant force in governance and politics. Additionally, many people held onto traditional superstitions and beliefs about the supernatural, such as the idea that witches were real and could be responsible for natural disasters and disease.

Religious beliefs played a big role in Elizabethan literature, and this can be seen in Shakespeare’s works. Shakespeare was a proponent of the Protestant faith, and his plays often referenced these beliefs. In ‘Romeo and Juliet’, for instance, Juliet expresses her faith in an afterlife when she says, “My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite”. Furthermore, ‘The Merchant of Venice’ deals with religious themes, such as the ramifications of living a life without God and guilt, while ‘Hamlet’ is a play which uses religious symbols to explore the main character’s struggle with faith and morality. In ‘King Lear’, the characters contemplate their spiritual identity as they make decisions which will affect their lives irrevocably.

Shakespeare’s works not only address religious themes, but also give characters a moral or spiritual flavour. Portia, for example, is a deeply religious character who acts as a voice of morality in ‘The Merchant of Venice’. Similarly, in ‘Measure for Measure’, Shakespeare uses religious symbols, such as Isabella’s robe, to illustrate her devoutness. Additionally, the majority of Shakespeare’s protagonists are often steeped in religious faith and beliefs, such as Romeo in ‘Romeo and Juliet’. This is often presented through internal monologues which express the character’s loyalties to his/her faith. Overall, religious beliefs played an integral part in Elizabethan society, and Shakespeare’s plays reflect and explore these themes in a variety of ways. His plays emphasise religious piety, the penalty of sin, and the power of faith, making them excellent examples of Elizabethan literature.