In Bill Bryson's "Shakespeare: The World as Stage," the author highlights the extreme consequences of speaking out against authority during the Elizabethan era. John Stubbs, a well-known Puritan, faced a brutal punishment for voicing his disapproval of Queen Elizabeth I's potential marriage to the Catholic Duke of Alençon. His dissent was met with the severing of his right hand, illustrating the lengths to which the monarchy would go to silence opposition.

This incident exemplifies the tense political climate of the time, where religious affiliations significantly influenced public life. Stubbs' punishment serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who opposed the queen, revealing the risks involved in political and religious expression. Such a brutal response underscores the lasting impact of the royal decisions on individuals and the society they governed.