The construction of the other in early modern Britain

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The early modern period in Britain played a crucial role in shaping English identities, with recent scholarship revealing the significant impact of foreign influences on this process. Initially analyzed through a Saidian post-colonial lens, early modern England was often viewed as anticipating imperial ambitions, with the English self-representing to support these aspirations. However, recent studies challenge this notion, revealing that England was not an expanding nation until the late 16th century. Nabel Matar argues that the relationship between early modern English and the Muslim other cannot be framed within a colonial context, as the Ottomans, Persians, and Moroccans of the 16th and 17th centuries were equally powerful. This necessitates a reevaluation of texts addressing these dynamics, recognizing the complex interplay of attraction and repulsion towards these 'others.' The essays in this volume explore these themes from diverse critical perspectives, primarily focusing on theatrical texts but also including narratives, historical accounts, and opera. Many contributions draw on cultural materialist and cultural semiotic criticism, while also considering alternative approaches to enrich the discussion.