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It is difficult to fully appreciate Shakespeare's works without having some understanding of the main historical changes and events that were taking place at that time.
In particular, it is important to know that he wrote during several important, overlapping periods of time; namely the Elizabethan Era (1558 to 1603), the Renaissance (roughly 1300 - 1700), the Reformation, and the Age of Discovery.
The Renaissance
The Renaissance
What was the Renaissance?
What was the Renaissance?
The Renaissance was a time of tremendous creative and intellectual innovation. In particular, there was a renewed interest and passion for art, music, literature, science, voyages of discovery, and architecture.
The Elizabethan era saw the start of live theatre, and a new insertion of emotional expression and individuality in music and writing.
Many historians refer to the Renaissance as an intellectual and cultural revolution; in part because it was so distinct from the middle ages, which preceded it.
When was the Renaissance?
When was the Renaissance?
Although the Renaissance started around 1300, it didn't really take place in England until the early 1500s.
Here are just some contributions from the Renaissance
- Leonardo da Vinci (1452 - 1519) whose illustrations of human anatomy expanded our understanding of the human body.
- The great painters Jan van Eyck and Hugo van der Goes who introduced oil painting on canvas, and began a trend towards naturalism.
- Architecture which included elements of design from ancient Rome and Greece.
- Literature which, unlike previous works, centred around the subjective human experience.
- Breakthroughs in science and engineering, such as the invention of the telescope, eye glasses, gunpowder, the compass, paper, and clocks.
- The printing press was invented. For the first time ever, it was possible for scholars and other writers to share their work with the public.
- Huge innovation in musical styles and instruments, such as the introduction of Opera, the violin and the harpsichord. Composers sought to express human emotion through music, unlike the past.
- The rise of Protestantism occurred during this time.
- The eventual decline of the feudal system - replaced by a new economic system.
- The 'New World' was discovered by Christopher Columbus.
BBC Documentary series: A very British Renaissance (2014)
BBC Documentary series: A very British Renaissance (2014)
Episode 1 - The Renaissance Arrives
Episode 2 - The Elizabethan Code
Episode 3 - Whose Renaissance?
The Elizabethan era (1558 - 1603)
The Elizabethan era (1558 - 1603)
Shakespeare wrote during a period of time commonly referred to as the Elizabethan Era (1558 to 1603). This was the time during which England was ruled by Queen Elizabeth I, the last of the Tudor monarchs.
The Elizabethan era was marked by economic growth, a surge in the arts, and a strictly enforced class oriented system of organising society. Although the era is often referred to as a "golden age", it is important to note that for most English citizens, this was a difficult and harsh time to be alive.
Daily Life In The Elizabethan Era
Daily Life In The Elizabethan Era
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