Elizabeth, became the Queen of England in
1558, six years before Shakespeare's birth.
During her 45 - year reign, London became a
cultural and commercial center where learning
and literature thrived.
EDUCATION IN THE ELIZABETHAN AGE
Boys were educated to be literate members of society.
The language of literacy throughout Europe was Latin.
Boys started grammar school at the age of six or seven.
The classroom discipline was strict, and often involved
corporeal punishment. The boys studied Latin
grammar and vocabulary.
When Queen Elizabeth ascended to the
throne, there were violent clashes
throughout Europe between protestant
and Catholic leaders and their followers.
RELIGION IN THE ELIZABETHAN AGE
Religion was central to the society for
which Shakespeare wrote.Queen Elizabeth
made attendance at Church of England
services mandatory, even though many
church- goers had to travel long distances.
People who did not attend - for any reason
except illness- were punished with fines.
Queen Elizabeth also recognized the
importance of the arts to the life and legacy of
her nation. She was fond of the theater, and
many of England's greatest playwrights were
active during her reign, including Christopher
Marlowe, Ben Jonson, and William Shakespeare.
BRITISH PEERAGE AND NOBILITY
The system of British peerage in Shakespeare's time, determined
one's position in society. The audience members a lot about that
person's rank, importance, and authority over his peers. Today's
audiences will be less familiar with the British Peerage and Nobility,
so here's a quick primer: