1. Elizabethan England

2. These systems of thought were important in
Elizabethan England.
• Renaissance: Literally means “rebirth.” A
period between 1300-1600 CE when new
ideas about science, philosophy, and the arts
took hold across Europe.
• Humanism: A newfound admiration of
humankind, whose intelligence, worth, and
beauty was celebrated.

3. Elizabeth I (1558-1603) was the Queen of
England during much of Shakespeare’s life.

4. Elizabeth I
(1558-1603)
• Her “Religious Settlement” made the Church
of England the official church.
• She outlawed religious drama.
• The English Navy defeated the Spanish
Armada in 1588 making England a supreme
power.
• Her reign was largely a period of peace and
prosperity for English citizens.

5. Shakespeare’s London
London was divided between the north and south bank of the Thames River.
The theatres were located on the less populated south bank.

6. Southwark, or “the liberties,” were located on the south bank.

7. Public Theatres
• Outdoors with an open roof
• Parts of a public theatre:
• Yard
• Galleries
• Lord’s Rooms
• Tiring House

9. Actors & Acting
•Sharing Companies: theatre troupes
whose members shared expenses,
profits, and responsibilities for
production.
•Householders: members who
owned part of the building itself.
•Hirelings: stagehands or actors who
worked for a salary rather than a
share of the profits.
• Yes, all roles were played by men
and boys.

10. Audiences
• Represented a wide range of citizens.
• Cost of admission was low.
• “Groundlings” stood on the ground of the
yard.
• Seats in the gallery and lord’s boxes were
more expensive.
• Women were present in the audience.

11. Censorship
• All plays were subject to government
censorship.
• The “Master of the Revels” viewed all plays
before they were performed.
• Companies could not operate without a
liscence.
• Playhouses could be shut down at any time.

12. Bear or Bull Baiting

13. William Shakespeare
• 1564-1616
• Son of a glove maker,
became greatest dramatist of
English speaking world.
• Was a shareholder in The
Lord Chamberlain’s Men and
later The King’s Men.
• Wrote thirty-eight plays.
• History Plays, Tragedies,
Comedies.

14. Characteristics of Shakespeare’s Plays
• Early Point of Attack
• Several Subplots
• Free Use of Time & Place
• A Large Number and Range of Characters
• Varied Styles of Language

15. Much Ado About Nothing

16. • Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon• Margaret, waiting-
• Benedick, a lord, gentlewoman, attendant on
companion of Don Pedro Hero
• Claudio, a count, • Ursula, waiting-
companion of DP gentlewoman, attendant on
• Don John, “the Bastard Hero
Prince,” brother of DP and • Friar Francis, a priest
main villain • Dogberry, the lead night
• Borachio and Conrade, watchman
followers of Don John • Verges, Dogberry’s partner
• Leonato, governor of • A Sexton
Messina • Watchmen
• Hero, Leonato’s daughter • Attendants and Messengers
• Beatrice, niece of Leonato
• Antonio, and old man,
brother of Leonato