Pasquill (the Cavaliero) facts for kids
Pasquill was the secret identity, also called a pseudonym, used by a writer in England during the 1580s. This writer defended the official church, the Anglican Church, during a big argument known as the "Marprelate controversy". The argument was against another writer who used the secret name "Martin Marprelate". Martin was a Puritan who criticized the church leaders.
Pasquill's name, and the name of his friend "Marforius," come from two famous talking statues of Rome. These statues, "Pasquino" and "Marforio", were places where people would secretly post notes or poems. These notes often commented on news or scandals happening at the time.
Contents
What Was the Marprelate Controversy?
The Marprelate controversy was a series of pamphlets published in England between 1588 and 1589. These pamphlets were part of a heated debate about the Church of England. One side, led by the mysterious "Martin Marprelate," wanted to change the church a lot. The other side, including the writer known as Pasquill, defended the way the church was run.
Who Was Martin Marprelate?
"Martin Marprelate" was the secret name of a writer who strongly criticized the leaders of the Anglican Church. Martin's writings were often funny and sarcastic, but they were also very serious about wanting to change the church. His goal was to make the church simpler and more like the early Christian churches.
How Did Pasquill Respond?
Pasquill was one of the main writers who responded to Martin Marprelate. Pasquill's job was to defend the Anglican Church and its leaders. He wrote pamphlets that tried to show why Martin Marprelate's ideas were wrong. This was a big public debate, but instead of talking, they used written pamphlets to share their ideas.
Pasquill's Writings
Three main writings were published under the name Pasquill. These were all written to argue against Martin Marprelate and his ideas.
- A Countercuffe Given to Martin Junior was published in 1589. It was like a first punch back at Martin.
- The Return of Pasquill (also called Pasquill and Marforius) came out later in 1589. In this writing, Pasquill talks with his friend Marforius.
- The First Part of Pasquill's Apology was published in 1590. This was Pasquill's way of explaining and defending his own views.
See also
- Pasquinade
