Illegitimacy

In Shakespeare’s England, illegitimacy generally excluded a child from inheriting a father’s landed property. This context helps explain the importance of legitimate heirs and Don John’s disadvantaged position relative to his brother. His recent rebellion and dependence on Don Pedro’s favour sharpen his resentment.

Illegitimacy helps illuminate this sense of exclusion. Children born outside marriage faced stigma and could be prevented from inheriting their father’s wealth, property or titles. Some Elizabethan beliefs also associated illegitimate birth with moral corruption.

His resentment has both political and social dimensions. He has been defeated and restored to his brother’s favour, so his freedom depends on Don Pedro. His illegitimacy also marks him as a family outsider.