The Elizabethan Era

By: Alex Bastian

Overview– This power point is a brief description of the

important aspects of the Elizabethan era. It includes the social, political, religious, and artistic implications of this time period, while thoroughly discussing the Literature aspect of it as well. It includes many important people from this period, and many important facts that are necessary to know in order to fully understand the Elizabethan Era.

The Queen• Queen Elizabeth I was

daughter of King Henry VIII. She was ruler during the Elizabethan era. She reigned for 45 years, from 1558-1603. During her reign, the period was known as the Golden age because of the many achievements made during the Elizabethan era.

Facts about the Queen• Queen Elizabeth was born from King Henry VIII and

Anne Boleyn.

• Her mother was beheaded when she was a baby, because she was accused of adultery and incest.

• During her reign, there was an increase in literacy rates and fine arts.

• The Queen was highly intelligent, and could speak several languages including Latin, Spanish, Welsh, and French.

Elizabethan Literature• Literature was extremely important during

this time. It was a form of entertainment as well as a form of education.– Romanticism: Literature this time that focused

on philosophical and artistic writing.– Realism: Literature this time that focused on

every day life.

Literature Continued• During the Elizabethan era, Poetry and

plays were a major part of writing. Many people enjoyed viewing plays from theaters such as the Globe Theater. Sonnets was the form of poetry that was most commonly heard during this era.

The Globe TheaterThe bottom/ ground level was for poor commoners

The first level cost a penny more and had seats.

The 2nd level was for rich and royalty. The seats were cushioned.

Facts about the Globe• William Shakespeare built the Globe

Theater.

• It was once torn down, then rebuilt.

• Women were not allowed on stage at the Globe.

• The ceiling above the stage is beautifully decorated, while everything else is plain inside it.

William Shakespeare

Getting to know Shakespeare

• Shakespeare was born April 23,1564, and died April 23,1616.

• At 18, he married Anne Hathaway. • He was one of the few fortunate boys to attend

grammar school.• He began working as an actor and a playwright

when he was in his teens.

Shakespeare’s Writing• Shakespeare wrote several famous plays and

book-length poems. • Historians have been led to believe that the

majority of Shakespeare’s writing was not published, and is somewhere, lost forever.

• His plays were grouped into 3 different categories– Tragedy (ex. Romeo& Juliet)– Comedy (ex. A Midsummer Night Dream)– History (ex. Richard V.)

Elizabethan Art• Elizabethan art came in all shapes and

sizes. It was in the form of writing, sculptures, paintings, and music. During this era, art had advanced. Much of the artwork had been textiles, cloth weaving, and tapestry. Stone, silver, and wood was used in most of the sculptures. Queen Elizabeth loved and very much appreciated art.

Elizabethan Art Examples

Elizabethan Society• Social classes and rankings were a huge

part of society during the Elizabethan era. Royals and Nobles were the highest ranked. The merchant class, however, began to grow in ranking and size. The merchant class became extremely important during the Elizabethan era.

Social Past times• No matter what social class ranking you

were in, you still enjoyed religious festivals, tournaments, games, and watching plays. Festivals were always held by the Protestant church. Tournaments included jousting, fencing, and bull baiting.

Elizabethan Politics• England was ruled by a monarchy during

the Elizabethan era. The Queen and the parliament controlled the laws and how the country was run. The parliament consisted of two houses: The House of Lords and The House of Commons. They came up with the majority of the laws, and the Queen approved them

Elizabethan Religion• Religion was an important part of

Elizabethan life. The rise of Puritanism and the acceptance of Protestant Reformation took a toll on the Elizabethan era. The Roman Catholic church had been outlawed and several laws and provisions were made that dealt with church and religion.

Religion Continued• It was illegal to attend a Catholic service,

also known as Mass. You were fined if done so.

• You had to attend a church service at least once a month.

• All festivals were held based on the church calendar.

Random Facts• The Elizabethan era was known for its scientific

discoveries in physics and astrology. Sir Isaac Newton was born in this time period.

• Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the world. • Superstitions such as stirring a pot counter

clockwise and spilling salt were apart of everyday lives.

• The main meal was eaten at 11 o’ clock and lasted for 3 hours every day.

Pictures