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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.