The document provides historical context on the Elizabethan period from 1558-1603 in England. It discusses the Tudor dynasty beginning with Henry VII, the rise of the middle class, developments in religion and commerce, and influential figures like William Shakespeare. Specifically regarding literature in the Elizabethan era, it notes the flourishing of drama and poetry including sonnets and works by Edmund Spenser. Major playwrights of the time included Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, and the "University Wits". Theatres grew more popular as tragedy and comedy developed from classical influences.

1. ELIZABETHAN PERIODELIZABETHAN PERIOD
1558-16031558-1603

2. Historical ContextHistorical Context
 The second half of the 15The second half of the 15thth
century and the 16century and the 16thth
centurycentury
were a turbulent age in English history.were a turbulent age in English history.
 In the 15In the 15thth
century The Wars of the Roses, the rivalrycentury The Wars of the Roses, the rivalry
between two aristocratic houses, of York and ofbetween two aristocratic houses, of York and of
Lancaster, ended with the victory of the Lancaster family,Lancaster, ended with the victory of the Lancaster family,
when their distant cousin, Henry Tudor, claimed thewhen their distant cousin, Henry Tudor, claimed the
throne.throne.
 He was crowned asHe was crowned as Henry VIIHenry VII, starting the Tudor, starting the Tudor
dynasty. Throughout the Tudor reign, England constantlydynasty. Throughout the Tudor reign, England constantly
fought with its continental neighbors.fought with its continental neighbors.
 The old aristocracy lost most of its wealth and power inThe old aristocracy lost most of its wealth and power in
the Wars of the Roses, so Henry VIII in the 16the Wars of the Roses, so Henry VIII in the 16thth
cent,cent,
began giving titles to people from the middle class,began giving titles to people from the middle class,
making the new aristocracy, faithful to the king above allmaking the new aristocracy, faithful to the king above all
else.else.

3.  The middle class was growing richer and more powerful.The middle class was growing richer and more powerful.
The communications revolution, started with the printingThe communications revolution, started with the printing
press, resulted in the fact that in 1600 nearly half of thepress, resulted in the fact that in 1600 nearly half of the
population had some kind of minimal literacy.population had some kind of minimal literacy.
 The spirit of the Renaissance began to show in England.The spirit of the Renaissance began to show in England.
The rising middle class had access to education, couldThe rising middle class had access to education, could
read and write in their mother tongue, instead of Latin,read and write in their mother tongue, instead of Latin,
and was becoming aware of endless possibilities forand was becoming aware of endless possibilities for
wealth and success that lay in trade and the New World.wealth and success that lay in trade and the New World.
 In the 1530s, Henry VIII broke with Rome. So in the 16In the 1530s, Henry VIII broke with Rome. So in the 16thth
century, there happened 3 influential historicalcentury, there happened 3 influential historical
developments: the Renaissance, the Reformation, anddevelopments: the Renaissance, the Reformation, and
the emergence of England as a maritime power.the emergence of England as a maritime power.
 The English Literary Renaissance – from the ascent ofThe English Literary Renaissance – from the ascent of
the House of Tudor to the English throne to 1660.the House of Tudor to the English throne to 1660.

4. Elizabethan AgeElizabethan Age
 The reign of Elizabeth I was also aThe reign of Elizabeth I was also a turbulent period, butturbulent period, but
she successfully coped with all the difficulties. Englandshe successfully coped with all the difficulties. England
was threatened by the superpowers of the age – Francewas threatened by the superpowers of the age – France
and Spain. Elizabeth was excommunicated by the Popeand Spain. Elizabeth was excommunicated by the Pope
in 1570. She was in constant fear for her life.in 1570. She was in constant fear for her life.
Nevertheless, English ships beat the Spanish Armada inNevertheless, English ships beat the Spanish Armada in
1588. Elizabeth managed to maintain a relative peace1588. Elizabeth managed to maintain a relative peace
between the protestants and the Catholics. She tried tobetween the protestants and the Catholics. She tried to
unite her people, by insisting that they are all English.unite her people, by insisting that they are all English.
This worked well most of the time, and the peopleThis worked well most of the time, and the people
developed a sense of national pride.developed a sense of national pride.

5. Elizabethan LiteratureElizabethan Literature
 The English Literary Renaissance consists ofThe English Literary Renaissance consists of
four subsets: The Elizabethan Age, thefour subsets: The Elizabethan Age, the
Jacobean Age, the Caroline Age and theJacobean Age, the Caroline Age and the
Commonwealth Period.Commonwealth Period.
 TheThe Elizabethan eraElizabethan era saw a great flourishing ofsaw a great flourishing of
literature, especially in the field ofliterature, especially in the field of dramadrama. The. The
other major literary style wasother major literary style was lyric poetrylyric poetry. Many. Many
of the most important dramatists of the periodof the most important dramatists of the period
were also excellent poets.were also excellent poets.

6. Elizabethan PoetryElizabethan Poetry
 Before and during the Elizabethan Age,Before and during the Elizabethan Age,
medieval tradition blended withmedieval tradition blended with
Renaissance spirit of optimism andRenaissance spirit of optimism and
freedom.freedom.
 The two poets who introduced noveltiesThe two poets who introduced novelties
into lyric poetry before the Elizabethaninto lyric poetry before the Elizabethan
Age wereAge were Sir Thomas WyattSir Thomas Wyatt andand HenryHenry
Howard, Earl of SurreyHoward, Earl of Surrey..

7.  SONNETSONNET – the dominant form of poetry of– the dominant form of poetry of
the Elizabethan Agethe Elizabethan Age
– Origins: Italy 13Origins: Italy 13thth
c. – Petrarch (14c. – Petrarch (14thth
c.),c.),
CanzoniereCanzoniere (Laura),(Laura), established the sonnet asestablished the sonnet as
one of the major poetic forms: love poem;one of the major poetic forms: love poem;
devotion to the Lady who is usually unattainable;devotion to the Lady who is usually unattainable;
14 lines14 lines
– Brought to England in the early 16Brought to England in the early 16thth
century by Sircentury by Sir
Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard Earl of Surrey;Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard Earl of Surrey;
they adapted the form to the English languagethey adapted the form to the English language

8.  At the time, the writing of poetry was part of theAt the time, the writing of poetry was part of the
education of a gentleman. Sonnets were very populareducation of a gentleman. Sonnets were very popular
among the upper classes, and collections of sonnets andamong the upper classes, and collections of sonnets and
lyrics were often published. Aristocrats who did not writelyrics were often published. Aristocrats who did not write
poetry themselves were usually patrons to other poets,poetry themselves were usually patrons to other poets,
giving them financial support.giving them financial support.
 W. Shakespeare was one of these poets, since hisW. Shakespeare was one of these poets, since his
collection of sonnets (1609) is dedicated to his patron, acollection of sonnets (1609) is dedicated to his patron, a
young man of good family. Scholars are not certain whenyoung man of good family. Scholars are not certain when
each of the 154 sonnets was composed, but evidenceeach of the 154 sonnets was composed, but evidence
suggests that Shakespeare wrote sonnets throughout hissuggests that Shakespeare wrote sonnets throughout his
career for a private readership.career for a private readership.

9.  One of the best lyrical poets of the Elizabethan Age wasOne of the best lyrical poets of the Elizabethan Age was
Edmund SpenserEdmund Spenser. In 1579 he produced a poem in 12. In 1579 he produced a poem in 12
books, calledbooks, called The Shepherd’sThe Shepherd’s Calendar.Calendar.
 It is significant for experimenting in meter and form, andIt is significant for experimenting in meter and form, and
the subject matter is diverse, but mainly pastoral.the subject matter is diverse, but mainly pastoral.
 Spenser’s greatest work is another long poem,Spenser’s greatest work is another long poem, TheThe
Fairie Queene.Fairie Queene. Spenser invented a special meter for it,Spenser invented a special meter for it,
called the ‘Spenserian Stanza’, which has often beencalled the ‘Spenserian Stanza’, which has often been
used since.used since.
 His best works also include poemsHis best works also include poems Epithalamion,Epithalamion,
ProthalamionProthalamion, and a collection of sonnets,, and a collection of sonnets, Amoretti.Amoretti.

10.  Other famous poets of the age includeOther famous poets of the age include Sir Phillip Sidney,Sir Phillip Sidney,
Sir Walter Raleigh and Christopher Marlowe.Sir Walter Raleigh and Christopher Marlowe.
 Elizabethan prose took several different forms, which inElizabethan prose took several different forms, which in
the time to come will develop into literary genres.the time to come will develop into literary genres.
 Sir Thomas North-Sir Thomas North- the translation of Plutarch’sthe translation of Plutarch’s Lives ofLives of
the Noble Grecians and Romans.the Noble Grecians and Romans.
 Hakluyt and PurchasHakluyt and Purchas – accounts of the voyages of– accounts of the voyages of
English seamen and explorersEnglish seamen and explorers
 Holinshed’s ChroniclesHolinshed’s Chronicles – English history– English history
 Beginnings of a novel –Beginnings of a novel – ‘University Wits’‘University Wits’ – John Lyly,– John Lyly,
Robert Greene, Thomas NashRobert Greene, Thomas Nash
 Francis BaconFrancis Bacon – essayist, philosopher and historian– essayist, philosopher and historian

11.  The Authorised Version of the BibleThe Authorised Version of the Bible – first– first
translation of the Bible into Modern English. Ittranslation of the Bible into Modern English. It
appeared in 1611, and is also known as Kingappeared in 1611, and is also known as King
James’ Bible. It was based on the translationsJames’ Bible. It was based on the translations
into Middle English by Wycliffe and Tyndale. Theinto Middle English by Wycliffe and Tyndale. The
language of the new translation has held alanguage of the new translation has held a
powerful influence on writers in English everpowerful influence on writers in English ever
since.since.
 Ben JonsonBen Jonson – the father of English literary– the father of English literary
criticism.criticism.

12. University WitsUniversity Wits
 University Wits were a group of late 16th century EnglishUniversity Wits were a group of late 16th century English
playwrights who were educated at the universities (Oxford orplaywrights who were educated at the universities (Oxford or
Cambridge). Prominent members of this group: ChristopherCambridge). Prominent members of this group: Christopher
Marlowe, Robert Greene, and Thomas Nashe fromMarlowe, Robert Greene, and Thomas Nashe from
Cambridge, and John Lyly, Thomas Lodge, George PeeleCambridge, and John Lyly, Thomas Lodge, George Peele
from Oxford.from Oxford.
 the literary elite of the time - they often ridiculed otherthe literary elite of the time - they often ridiculed other
playwrights such as Thomas Kyd and Shakespeare who didplaywrights such as Thomas Kyd and Shakespeare who did
not have a university education.not have a university education.
 Some scholars think that Marlowe would have surpassedSome scholars think that Marlowe would have surpassed
Shakespeare as an author if ha had not been killed in a tavernShakespeare as an author if ha had not been killed in a tavern
brawlbrawl
 University Wits did make a significant contribution toUniversity Wits did make a significant contribution to
Elizabethan literature in various genresElizabethan literature in various genres

13. Elizabethan DramaElizabethan Drama
 TragedyTragedy: Aristotle – imitation of a serious probable action: Aristotle – imitation of a serious probable action
((mimesismimesis); arousing); arousing pitypity andand fearfear in the audience; leadsin the audience; leads
toto catharsiscatharsis (a purifying of the emotions that is brought(a purifying of the emotions that is brought
about in the audience of a tragic drama through theabout in the audience of a tragic drama through the
evocation of intense fear and pity; emotional release andevocation of intense fear and pity; emotional release and
purification brought about by an intense emotionalpurification brought about by an intense emotional
experience); characters: kings and nobles; the mainexperience); characters: kings and nobles; the main
character: of a high social and moral standing but with acharacter: of a high social and moral standing but with a
tragic flaw/fault/mistake (misjudgment, ambition,tragic flaw/fault/mistake (misjudgment, ambition,
gullibility, jealousy, indecisiveness) which brings aboutgullibility, jealousy, indecisiveness) which brings about
his downfall and final demise. Revenge tragedy –his downfall and final demise. Revenge tragedy –
especially popular – a wronged hero plans and executesespecially popular – a wronged hero plans and executes
revenge.revenge.

14.  ComedyComedy: Aristotle – comic figures are average to: Aristotle – comic figures are average to
below average; it deals with ordinary/commonbelow average; it deals with ordinary/common
people; only low or ignoble figures can strike uspeople; only low or ignoble figures can strike us
as ridiculous; the most ridiculous are those whoas ridiculous; the most ridiculous are those who
although well-born are merely pompous or self-although well-born are merely pompous or self-
important instead of truly noble.important instead of truly noble.
 ComedyComedy: a story of the rise in fortune of a: a story of the rise in fortune of a
sympathetic central character (those of humblesympathetic central character (those of humble
or disadvantageous backgrounds who proveor disadvantageous backgrounds who prove
their real worth).their real worth).

15.  TheThe Italian RenaissanceItalian Renaissance had rediscovered the ancienthad rediscovered the ancient
Greek and Roman theatre, and this was instrumental inGreek and Roman theatre, and this was instrumental in
the development of the new drama, which was thenthe development of the new drama, which was then
beginning to evolve apart from the old mystery andbeginning to evolve apart from the old mystery and
miracle playsmiracle plays of theof the Middle AgesMiddle Ages. The Italians were. The Italians were
particularly inspired byparticularly inspired by SenecaSeneca (a major tragic playwright(a major tragic playwright
and philosopher, the tutor ofand philosopher, the tutor of NeroNero) and Plautus (its) and Plautus (its
comic clichés, especially that of the boasting soldier hadcomic clichés, especially that of the boasting soldier had
a powerful influence on the Renaissance and after).a powerful influence on the Renaissance and after).
 The first regular English comedy,The first regular English comedy, Ralph Roister DoisterRalph Roister Doister
by Nicholas Udall, was written in this tradition.by Nicholas Udall, was written in this tradition.
 Another early comedy wasAnother early comedy was Gammer Gurton’s NeedleGammer Gurton’s Needle..
Lyly’s comedies were an improvement of those earlyLyly’s comedies were an improvement of those early
comedies.comedies.

16.  However, the Italian tragedies embraced a principleHowever, the Italian tragedies embraced a principle
contrary to Seneca's ethics: showing blood and violencecontrary to Seneca's ethics: showing blood and violence
on the stage. In Seneca's plays such scenes were onlyon the stage. In Seneca's plays such scenes were only
acted by the characters. But the English playwrightsacted by the characters. But the English playwrights
were intrigued by Italian model: a conspicuouswere intrigued by Italian model: a conspicuous
community of Italian actors had settled in London andcommunity of Italian actors had settled in London and
Giovanni FlorioGiovanni Florio had brought much of the Italian languagehad brought much of the Italian language
and culture to England. It is also true that theand culture to England. It is also true that the
Elizabethan Era was a very violent age and that the highElizabethan Era was a very violent age and that the high
incidence of political assassinations in Renaissance Italyincidence of political assassinations in Renaissance Italy
(embodied by Niccolò Machiavelli's(embodied by Niccolò Machiavelli's The PrinceThe Prince) did little) did little
to calm fears of popish plots. As a result, representingto calm fears of popish plots. As a result, representing
that kind of violence on the stage was probably morethat kind of violence on the stage was probably more
cathartic for the Elizabethan spectator.cathartic for the Elizabethan spectator.

17.  TThe Spanish Tragedyhe Spanish Tragedy byby Thomas KydThomas Kyd is one of thoseis one of those
violent tragedies, and its plot is in some ways likeviolent tragedies, and its plot is in some ways like
Shakespeare’sShakespeare’s HamletHamlet. It became known as an example. It became known as an example
of a ‘revenge tragedy’ where the hero has to avenge theof a ‘revenge tragedy’ where the hero has to avenge the
death of a close relative.death of a close relative.
 The first great dramatist of the time wasThe first great dramatist of the time was ChristopherChristopher
MarloweMarlowe. Some of his tragedies, such as. Some of his tragedies, such as TamburlaineTamburlaine
the Greatthe Great andand The Jew of MaltaThe Jew of Malta, are also violent and, are also violent and
bloody. But others, likebloody. But others, like Dr. FaustusDr. Faustus andand Edward theEdward the
SecondSecond, set an example for other Elizabethan dramatists, set an example for other Elizabethan dramatists
in the use of powerful blank verse and the developmentin the use of powerful blank verse and the development
of characters to heighten the sense of tragedy.of characters to heighten the sense of tragedy.
Shakespeare in particular was influenced by Marlowe inShakespeare in particular was influenced by Marlowe in
writing the historical plays.writing the historical plays.

18. English Renaissance TheatreEnglish Renaissance Theatre
 Renaissance theatre derived from medieval theatreRenaissance theatre derived from medieval theatre
traditions, such as thetraditions, such as the mystery playsmystery plays that formed a partthat formed a part
of religious festivals in England and other parts ofof religious festivals in England and other parts of
Europe during the Middle Ages. The mystery plays wereEurope during the Middle Ages. The mystery plays were
complex retellings of legends based on biblical themes,complex retellings of legends based on biblical themes,
originally performed in churches but later becoming moreoriginally performed in churches but later becoming more
linked to the secular celebrations that grew up aroundlinked to the secular celebrations that grew up around
religious festivals. Other sources include the moralityreligious festivals. Other sources include the morality
plays and the "University drama" that attempted toplays and the "University drama" that attempted to
recreate Greek tragedy.recreate Greek tragedy.

19.  Companies of players attached to households of leadingCompanies of players attached to households of leading
noblemen and performing seasonally in various locationsnoblemen and performing seasonally in various locations
existed before the reign of Elizabeth I. These becameexisted before the reign of Elizabeth I. These became
the foundation for the professional players thatthe foundation for the professional players that
performed on the Elizabethan stage. The tours of theseperformed on the Elizabethan stage. The tours of these
players gradually replaced the performances of theplayers gradually replaced the performances of the
mystery and morality playmystery and morality plays by local players, and a 1572s by local players, and a 1572
law eliminated the remaining companies lacking formallaw eliminated the remaining companies lacking formal
patronage by labeling them vagabonds. Thepatronage by labeling them vagabonds. The
performance of masques at court by courtiers and otherperformance of masques at court by courtiers and other
amateurs came to be replaced by the professionalamateurs came to be replaced by the professional
companies with noble patrons, who grew in number andcompanies with noble patrons, who grew in number and
quality during Elizabeth's reign.quality during Elizabeth's reign.

20. Genres of English RenaissanceGenres of English Renaissance
TheatreTheatre
 History play (Marlowe – Shakespeare)History play (Marlowe – Shakespeare)
 Tragedy (revenge tragedy – Kyd, Marlowe,Tragedy (revenge tragedy – Kyd, Marlowe,
Shakespeare)Shakespeare)
 Comedy (city comedy – B.Jonson)Comedy (city comedy – B.Jonson)
 Romance (Shakespeare)Romance (Shakespeare)