Themes of prosperity and greed in Thomas Dekker’s play, The Shoemaker’s Holiday

Thomas Dekker’s play, The Shoemaker’s Holiday

(Themes of prosperity and greed)

Q. Discuss the themes of prosperity and greed in The Shoemaker’s Holiday.

Answer: "The Shoemaker's Holiday" is a play written by Thomas Dekker in the early 17th century. The play explores several themes, including prosperity and greed. Prosperity refers to the state of being successful, while greed refers to the excessive desire for wealth or material possessions. In "The Shoemaker's Holiday," these themes are intertwined, and Dekker uses the characters' actions and decisions to highlight the complex relationship between the two.

One of the central characters in "The Shoemaker's Holiday" is Simon Eyre, a shoemaker who rises to prosperity and wealth through his hard work and entrepreneurial skills. Simon's success, in the play, is in sharp contrast to the aristocratic characters who are born into wealth and privilege but lack the skills and work ethic of Simon. Simon's prosperity is a testament to the values of hard work and self-reliance, which are celebrated in the play.

However, the play also highlights the dangers of greed and the corrupting influence of wealth. Ralph, Simon's apprentice, becomes obsessed with wealth and status, leading him to betray Simon and his fellow shoemakers. Ralph's greed ultimately leads to his downfall, as he is exposed and punished for his deceit.

The theme of greed is also explored through the character of Hammon, an aristocrat who tries to exploit Simon's success for his own gain. Hammon attempts to seduce Simon's wife, Margaret, and manipulate Simon into making a lucrative business deal. Hammon's actions are motivated by his desire for wealth and status, and he is willing to use deceit and manipulation to achieve his goals.

In contrast to Hammon and Ralph, Simon's success is built on his integrity and his commitment to his fellow shoemakers. He shares his wealth and success with his friends and colleagues, and his actions reflect the values of community and cooperation that are celebrated in the play.

In conclusion, "The Shoemaker's Holiday" is a play that explores the themes of prosperity and greed. Through the actions of its characters, the play highlights the complex relationship between these two themes and shows how they can both lead to success and downfall. While prosperity is celebrated in the play, the dangers of greed are also emphasized, and the importance of integrity and community is underscored.

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