Elizabethan Era

Definition

The Elizabethan Era refers to the period during Queen Elizabeth I's reign from 1558 to 1603, which is often marked by a flourishing of English drama and poetry. This era is closely associated with the rise of professional theater in England, the popularity of playwrights like William Shakespeare, and the blending of classical influences with native English traditions, particularly in the realm of comedy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Elizabethan Era is often considered the golden age of English literature, with significant contributions from playwrights and poets that laid the foundation for modern drama.
2. Queen Elizabeth I was a patron of the arts, encouraging theatrical performances and helping to legitimize theater as a respected form of entertainment.
3. During this period, there was a shift from religious morality plays to more secular themes in theater, including love, politics, and social issues.
4. Elizabethan comedy often drew inspiration from classical Greek and Roman works, showcasing elements like mistaken identities and humorous misunderstandings.
5. The era also saw the emergence of notable acting troupes, such as The Lord Chamberlain's Men, which included actors like Shakespeare himself.

Review Questions

• How did the Elizabethan Era influence the development of English comedy?
  • The Elizabethan Era played a crucial role in shaping English comedy by merging classical influences with local traditions. Playwrights drew from Greek and Roman sources, incorporating elements like farce and satire into their works. This period also marked a shift towards more complex characters and social commentary in comedic narratives, reflecting the evolving values and interests of society at that time.
• Evaluate how Queen Elizabeth I's patronage impacted the arts during her reign.
  • Queen Elizabeth I's patronage significantly impacted the arts by fostering an environment where theater could flourish. Her support not only provided financial backing for playwrights and actors but also helped elevate theater to a respected form of entertainment. This encouragement led to increased creativity and innovation within plays, paving the way for iconic works that are still celebrated today.
• Analyze how the blend of classical influences and native English traditions during the Elizabethan Era contributed to the evolution of theatrical forms.
  • The blend of classical influences from Greek and Roman comedy with native English traditions during the Elizabethan Era resulted in a rich tapestry of theatrical forms that were both innovative and reflective of contemporary society. This synthesis allowed playwrights to explore new themes, such as human experience and societal norms, while utilizing familiar comedic structures. The resulting evolution not only enriched the genre but also laid groundwork for future developments in English theater, influencing writers well beyond the Elizabethan Era.

Related terms

Renaissance: A cultural movement that began in Italy in the late 14th century and spread throughout Europe, characterized by a revival of interest in classical art, literature, and learning.

The Globe Theatre: A famous playhouse in London built in 1599, where many of Shakespeare's plays were performed, representing the peak of Elizabethan theater architecture and culture.

Humanism:

An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the value of human beings, classical learning, and the study of subjects like grammar, rhetoric, history, poetry, and moral philosophy.