Elizabethan Period

About the Theatre, Drama, Poetry, Literature, etc.

1. ELIZABETHAN PERIODELIZABETHAN PERIOD
1558-16031558-1603

2. Historical ContextHistorical Context
The second half of the 15The second half of the 15
thth
century and the 16 century and the 16
thth
century century
were a turbulent age in English history.were a turbulent age in English history.
In the 15In the 15
thth
century The Wars of the Roses, the rivalry century The Wars of the Roses, the rivalry
between two aristocratic houses, of York and of between 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 the when their distant cousin, Henry Tudor, claimed the
throne.throne.
He was crowned as He was crowned as Henry VIIHenry VII, starting the Tudor , starting the Tudor
dynasty. Throughout the Tudor reign, England constantly dynasty. 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 in The 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 16
thth
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 all making 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 printing The communications revolution, started with the printing
press, resulted in the fact that in 1600 nearly half of the press, 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, could The 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 for and 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 16
thth

century, there happened 3 influential historical century, there happened 3 influential historical
developments: the Renaissance, the Reformation, and developments: 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 of The 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, but turbulent period, but
she successfully coped with all the difficulties. England she successfully coped with all the difficulties. England
was threatened by the superpowers of the age – France was threatened by the superpowers of the age – France
and Spain. Elizabeth was excommunicated by the Pope and 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 in Nevertheless, English ships beat the Spanish Armada in
1588. Elizabeth managed to maintain a relative peace 1588. Elizabeth managed to maintain a relative peace
between the protestants and the Catholics. She tried to between 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 people This 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 of The English Literary Renaissance consists of
four subsets: The Elizabethan Age, the four subsets: The Elizabethan Age, the
Jacobean Age, the Caroline Age and the Jacobean Age, the Caroline Age and the
Commonwealth Period.Commonwealth Period.
The The Elizabethan eraElizabethan era saw a great flourishing of saw a great flourishing of
literature, especially in the field of literature, especially in the field of dramadrama. The . The
other major literary style was other major literary style was lyric poetrylyric poetry. Many . Many
of the most important dramatists of the period of 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 with medieval tradition blended with
Renaissance spirit of optimism and Renaissance spirit of optimism and
freedom.freedom.
The two poets who introduced novelties The two poets who introduced novelties
into lyric poetry before the Elizabethan into lyric poetry before the Elizabethan
Age were Age were Sir Thomas WyattSir Thomas Wyatt and and Henry Henry
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 13
thth
c. – Petrarch (14 c. – Petrarch (14
thth
c.), c.),
CanzoniereCanzoniere (Laura), (Laura), established the sonnet as established 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 lines 14 lines
–Brought to England in the early 16Brought to England in the early 16
thth
century by Sir century 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 language they adapted the form to the English language

8. At the time, the writing of poetry was part of the At the time, the writing of poetry was part of the
education of a gentleman. Sonnets were very popular education of a gentleman. Sonnets were very popular
among the upper classes, and collections of sonnets and among the upper classes, and collections of sonnets and
lyrics were often published. Aristocrats who did not write lyrics 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 his W. Shakespeare was one of these poets, since his
collection of sonnets (1609) is dedicated to his patron, a collection of sonnets (1609) is dedicated to his patron, a
young man of good family. Scholars are not certain when young man of good family. Scholars are not certain when
each of the 154 sonnets was composed, but evidence each of the 154 sonnets was composed, but evidence
suggests that Shakespeare wrote sonnets throughout his suggests 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 was One 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, called books, called The Shepherd’sThe Shepherd’s Calendar.Calendar.
It is significant for experimenting in meter and form, and It 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, The The
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 been called the ‘Spenserian Stanza’, which has often been
used since.used since.
His best works also include poems His 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 include Other 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 in Elizabethan 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’s the translation of Plutarch’s Lives of Lives of
the Noble Grecians and Romans.the Noble Grecians and Romans.
Hakluyt and Purchas Hakluyt and Purchas – accounts of the voyages of – accounts of the voyages of
English seamen and explorersEnglish seamen and explorers
Holinshed’s Chronicles Holinshed’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 Bacon Francis Bacon – essayist, philosopher and historian– essayist, philosopher and historian

11. The Authorised Version of the Bible The Authorised Version of the Bible – first – first
translation of the Bible into Modern English. It translation of the Bible into Modern English. It
appeared in 1611, and is also known as King appeared in 1611, and is also known as King
James’ Bible. It was based on the translations James’ Bible. It was based on the translations
into Middle English by Wycliffe and Tyndale. The into Middle English by Wycliffe and Tyndale. The
language of the new translation has held a language of the new translation has held a
powerful influence on writers in English ever powerful influence on writers in English ever
since.since.
Ben Jonson Ben 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 English University Wits were a group of late 16th century English
playwrights who were educated at the universities (Oxford or playwrights who were educated at the universities (Oxford or
Cambridge). Prominent members of this group: Christopher Cambridge). Prominent members of this group: Christopher
Marlowe, Robert Greene, and Thomas Nashe from Marlowe, Robert Greene, and Thomas Nashe from
Cambridge, and John Lyly, Thomas Lodge, George Peele Cambridge, and John Lyly, Thomas Lodge, George Peele
from Oxford. from Oxford.
the literary elite of the time - they often ridiculed other the literary elite of the time - they often ridiculed other
playwrights such as Thomas Kyd and Shakespeare who did playwrights 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 surpassed Some scholars think that Marlowe would have surpassed
Shakespeare as an author if ha had not been killed in a tavern Shakespeare as an author if ha had not been killed in a tavern
brawlbrawl
University Wits did make a significant contribution to University 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 pity pity and and fearfear in the audience; leads in the audience; leads
to to 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 the about in the audience of a tragic drama through the
evocation of intense fear and pity; emotional release and evocation of intense fear and pity; emotional release and
purification brought about by an intense emotional purification brought about by an intense emotional
experience); characters: kings and nobles; the main experience); characters: kings and nobles; the main
character: of a high social and moral standing but with a character: 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 about gullibility, 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 executes especially 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/common below average; it deals with ordinary/common
people; only low or ignoble figures can strike us people; only low or ignoble figures can strike us
as ridiculous; the most ridiculous are those who as 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 humble sympathetic central character (those of humble
or disadvantageous backgrounds who prove or disadvantageous backgrounds who prove
their real worth).their real worth).

15. The The Italian RenaissanceItalian Renaissance had rediscovered the ancient had rediscovered the ancient
Greek and Roman theatre, and this was instrumental in Greek and Roman theatre, and this was instrumental in
the development of the new drama, which was then the development of the new drama, which was then
beginning to evolve apart from the old mystery and beginning to evolve apart from the old mystery and
miracle playsmiracle plays of the of the Middle AgesMiddle Ages. The Italians were . The Italians were
particularly inspired by particularly inspired by SenecaSeneca (a major tragic playwright (a major tragic playwright
and philosopher, the tutor of and philosopher, the tutor of NeroNero) and Plautus (its ) and Plautus (its
comic clichés, especially that of the boasting soldier had comic 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 was Another early comedy was Gammer Gurton’s NeedleGammer Gurton’s Needle. .
Lyly’s comedies were an improvement of those early Lyly’s comedies were an improvement of those early
comedies.comedies.

16. However, the Italian tragedies embraced a principle However, the Italian tragedies embraced a principle
contrary to Seneca's ethics: showing blood and violence contrary to Seneca's ethics: showing blood and violence
on the stage. In Seneca's plays such scenes were only on the stage. In Seneca's plays such scenes were only
acted by the characters. But the English playwrights acted by the characters. But the English playwrights
were intrigued by Italian model: a conspicuous were intrigued by Italian model: a conspicuous
community of Italian actors had settled in London and community of Italian actors had settled in London and
Giovanni FlorioGiovanni Florio had brought much of the Italian language had brought much of the Italian language
and culture to England. It is also true that the and culture to England. It is also true that the
Elizabethan Era was a very violent age and that the high Elizabethan Era was a very violent age and that the high
incidence of political assassinations in Renaissance Italy incidence 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, representing to calm fears of popish plots. As a result, representing
that kind of violence on the stage was probably more that 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 by by Thomas KydThomas Kyd is one of those is one of those
violent tragedies, and its plot is in some ways like violent 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 the of 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 was The first great dramatist of the time was Christopher Christopher
MarloweMarlowe. Some of his tragedies, such as . Some of his tragedies, such as Tamburlaine Tamburlaine
the Greatthe Great and and The Jew of MaltaThe Jew of Malta, are also violent and , are also violent and
bloody. But others, like bloody. But others, like Dr. FaustusDr. Faustus and and Edward the Edward 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 development in 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 in Shakespeare 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 theatre Renaissance theatre derived from medieval theatre
traditions, such as the traditions, such as the mystery plays mystery plays that formed a part that formed a part
of religious festivals in England and other parts of of religious festivals in England and other parts of
Europe during the Middle Ages. The mystery plays were Europe 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 more originally performed in churches but later becoming more
linked to the secular celebrations that grew up around linked to the secular celebrations that grew up around
religious festivals. Other sources include the morality religious festivals. Other sources include the morality
plays and the "University drama" that attempted to plays and the "University drama" that attempted to
recreate Greek tragedy. recreate Greek tragedy.

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

20. Genres of English Renaissance Genres 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)