RM

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Shakespeare and His Times

1. William Shakespeare’s Life and Accomplishments

  • Birth: Born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon.

  • Childhood: Raised in a middle-class family, received education likely at the local grammar school.

  • Family: Married Anne Hathaway in 1582, had three children: Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith.

  • Death: Died in April 1616, buried in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford.

  • Accomplishments:

    • Renowned poet and playwright.

    • Wrote 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several poems.

    • His works reflect themes of love, politics, and human experience.

    • Influenced the English language significantly.

2. Queen Elizabeth I’s Life and Reign

  • Birth: Born in September 1533, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

  • Childhood: Experienced tumultuous upbringing; declared illegitimate at one point.

  • Family: Elizabeth remained unmarried, known as the "Virgin Queen".

  • Death: Died in March 1603, ending the Tudor dynasty.

  • Reign:

    • Became queen in 1558 and ruled until 1603.

    • Oversaw the Elizabethan Age, a period of English cultural flourishing.

    • Strengthened England’s navy and expanded its influence overseas.

3. Elizabethan Politics

  • Political Structure:

    • Centralized monarchy, with the Queen holding extensive powers.

    • Advisory council known as the Privy Council.

    • Parliament had limited power but was summoned for taxation and legislation.

  • Events:

    • The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 marked a significant triumph.

  • Situation:

    • England involved in struggles and alliances with Europe, particularly with Spain and France.

4. Fashion of the 1500-1600’s in England

  • General Trends:

    • Rich fabrics, elaborate designs, and luxurious materials.

    • Men: Doublets, ruffs, breeches; often adorned with gold and jewels.

    • Women: Long gowns, cinched waists, high collars, intricate hairstyles.

    • Social Differences:

      • Wealthy wore extravagantly; poor wore simpler, practical clothing.

      • Children's fashion reflected adult styles but often less ornate.

5. The Elizabethan View of the Universe (Science)

  • Worldview:

    • Dominated by religious beliefs and the concept of geocentrism (earth-centered universe).

  • Scientific Ideas:

    • Study of astronomy burgeoning; Copernican theory gaining traction.

  • Notable Figures:

    • Scientists like Francis Bacon promoted empirical approaches to knowledge.

6. The Four Humors/Psychology and Physiology

  • Concept:

    • The belief in four bodily humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile.

    • Each humor corresponded to specific temperaments and health states.

  • Role:

    • Physical and emotional characteristics were linked to the balance of these humors in an individual.

7. Courting and Marriage Customs

  • Practices:

    • Courtship often involved family arrangements; marriages were strategic.

  • Purposes of Marriage:

    • Alliances, financial stability, social status enhancement.

  • Customs:

    • Engagements and wedding ceremonies varied by class; lower class rituals were simpler than those of the affluent.

8. The Role of the Church and Religion

  • Importance:

    • The Church of England established by Elizabeth I; critical in public and private life.

  • Impact:

    • Religion influenced laws, morality, and daily conduct; provided community structure, education, and healthcare.

9. The Black Death/The Plague

  • Destruction Caused:

    • The Plague repeatedly affected England; massive mortality rates.

  • Transmission:

    • Spread through fleas on rats, exacerbated by urban living conditions.

  • Fear and Treatment:

    • Treatment methods were rudimentary; quarantine measures initiated during outbreaks.

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10. Disease and Medicine

  • Common Ailments:

    • Diseases such as smallpox, syphilis, and tuberculosis.

  • Medical Causes:

    • Lack of understanding of germs; reliance on humor theory.

  • Practitioners:

    • Barber-surgeons performed surgeries; folk healers and apothecaries handled herbal remedies.

11. Crime and Punishment

  • Crimes Committed:

    • Theft, assault, and witchcraft were prevalent.

  • Punishments:

    • Ranged from fines and imprisonment to public execution for severe offenses.

12. The Role of Women

  • Roles in Society:

    • Varied widely depending on social class; tended household duties, worked in trade or services.

  • Rights:

    • Limited legal rights compared to men; some women managed family businesses.

13. The Social Classes

  • Social Hierarchy:

    • Nobility: Landowners with titles; Gentry: Lesser nobility.

    • Commoners: Peasants and tradesmen; lower class had minimal rights.

  • Living Conditions:

    • Wealth and status dictated quality of life and opportunities.

14. Everyday City Life in London

  • Daily Routines:

    • Labor-intensive; professions included trades, agriculture, and domestic work.

  • Leisure Activities:

    • Theater, public festivals; social gatherings were common.

  • Comparison to Today:

    • Examination of class disparities in access to resources and living conditions.