Elizabeth England, Romeo and Juliet Background Context, and The Globe Theater

Renaissance

A period of European history marked by a revival of art, literature, and learning, characterized by a renewed interest in humanism and the pursuit of knowledge.

Wars of the Roses

A series of civil wars fought in England between the House of York, symbolized by a white rose, and the House of Lancaster, symbolized by a red rose, for control of the English throne.

Spanish Armada

A fleet of military ships sent by King Philip II of Spain in 1588 to invade England, which was defeated by the English navy, marking a significant victory for Queen Elizabeth I.

Globe Theatre

A famous theater in London associated with William Shakespeare, known for its unique features like the flag signaling the type of play, the "Heavens" ceiling, the tiring house, and the open yard for groundlings.

Romeo and Juliet

A tragic play written by William Shakespeare around 1594, based on the story of two young lovers from feuding families in Verona, Italy, highlighting themes of love, fate, and tragedy.

Elizabethan Era

The period of English history during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, known for its cultural flourishing in arts, literature, and theater, including the works of Shakespeare and advancements in exploration and commerce.

Blackfriars Theatre

An indoor theater in London where Shakespeare's plays were performed, catering to a wealthier clientele and utilizing artificial lighting for nighttime performances.

Groundlings

Audience members who paid a penny to stand in the open yard of the Globe Theatre to watch plays, often participating by cheering, shouting, or interacting with the actors.

Trap Door

A door built into the main stage of theaters like the Globe, used for actors playing supernatural characters like ghosts or witches to rise or descend, with the space underneath referred to as "hell."

House of Tudor

The English royal house that ruled England during the Renaissance, including monarchs like Henry VII, Henry VIII, and Elizabeth I, known for significant political and religious changes in England.

Entrance

The "gatherers" collected a penny from each patron at the single entrance, leading to the term "box office."

Box Office

Term derived from patrons putting their pennies into a box at the entrance of the theater.

Audience

It took audiences at least half an hour to enter the theater.

Brick Foundation

The Globe Theatre's foundation had to be made of brick due to its location on wet, marshy land near the Thames River.