Now gods, stand up for bastards!

Now gods, stand up for bastards!

In the world of William Shakespeare, bastards were often portrayed as characters who faced numerous challenges and obstacles due to their illegitimate status. They were often seen as outcasts, marginalized by society and denied the same rights and privileges as legitimate children. However, despite their difficult circumstances, bastards were also often depicted as resilient, resourceful, and capable of rising above their circumstances.

The line "Now gods, stand up for bastards!" is a powerful plea for divine intervention on behalf of those who have been marginalized and oppressed. It is a call for justice and recognition for those who have been unfairly treated due to circumstances beyond their control. In Shakespeare's plays, bastards were often portrayed as complex and multi-dimensional characters who defied societal expectations and challenged traditional notions of legitimacy and inheritance.

One of the most famous bastards in Shakespeare's works is Edmund from "King Lear." Edmund is the illegitimate son of the Duke of Gloucester, and he schemes to overthrow his legitimate half-brother Edgar in order to claim his father's title and lands. Despite his villainous actions, Edmund is also a compelling and charismatic character who challenges the audience's preconceived notions of what it means to be a bastard.