Social Stigma:
- Bastards were seen as a mark of dishonor and shame to both the mother and the father.
- Illegitimate children carried the social stigma of their birth throughout their lives.
- They were often subject to scorn, ridicule, and social exclusion.
Legal Status:
- In Shakespearean England, bastards had limited legal rights.
- They could not inherit their fathers' titles or property as legitimate children did.
- Most inheritance laws favored legitimate heirs, leaving illegitimate children vulnerable to poverty.
Lack of Opportunity:
- Due to their legal status, bastards faced several obstacles in life.
- Educational opportunities were often limited for them as they were frequently denied access to universities and certain professions.
- They had restricted entry into various trades, guilds, and occupations.
Social Pressure:
- Mothers of illegitimate children often faced harsh criticism and judgment from society.
- Illegitimate children were reminders of societal "immorality" and were perceived as a disruption to the ideal nuclear family.
Parental Support:
- The level of support that illegitimate children received from their parents varied greatly.
- Some fathers chose to acknowledge their illegitimate children and provide some financial support or education, while others abandoned them completely.
Role in Shakespeare's Plays:
- Shakespeare explored the theme of illegitimacy and the social treatment of bastards in some of his plays, reflecting the Elizabethan attitudes and biases of the time.
- Notable examples include characters like Edmund in "King Lear" and the Bastard (Edmund) in "King John."
Overall, Illegitimate children in Shakespearean times faced societal prejudice, legal limitations, and restricted opportunities, making their lives challenging and marginalized due to the social customs and moral views of the era.