Shakespeare’s Life
William Shakespeare was born in April 23, 1564, in Stratford-Upon-Avon (England) to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden (Gray). In 1582 Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, eight years his senior (Gray). On May 26, 1583 Anne give birth to their first child, Susanna (Gray). Two years later Anne gives birth to twins. William and Anne have another daughter, Judith, and a son, Hamnet (who dies as a child). Shakespeare worked as a writer producing sonnets, tragedies, historical plays, and comedic plays. From 1564-1599 Shakespeare produced many of his famous plays such as Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, King John, Much Ado About Nothing, and Richard II (Gray). In 1599, Shakespeare helped to create the Globe Theater, which many of his plays were performed (Gray). Shakespeare was an integral part of his performances until 1613 when the theater burnt down to the ground. Shakespeare then retired from the play life focusing on writing until his death on April 23, 1616 (Literature Network 2004).
Life in 16th Century England
Life in 16th century England brought on a change for most citizens of this time. Prior to the 16th century England was ruled by strict theological rule, particularly the Roman Catholic Church (Stearns). The rule of the Catholic Church ruled social class, societal thought, and even education. Many of the noblemen and clergy of this time were not highly educated and at times even were literate (Stearns). Change started to happen in the early sixteenth century when Henry VIII tried to annul his marriage to Katherine of Aragon (“Monarchs”). The Roman Catholic Church denied Henry VIII an annulment; therefore, Henry broke away from the Catholic Church and formed the Church of England. With the formation of the Anglican Church many citizens of England were exploring the Protestant ideas of Luther and were breaking away from the Catholic Church as well. (“Monarchs”).
The daughter of Hennery VIII, Elizabeth I eventually inherited the throne of England following the rule of Mary I (“Monarchs”). One of the first matters of business was to ease the religious tensions that existed in England (“Monarchs”). During the rule of Mary I many Protestants and followers of the Anglican Church were persecuted and killed if they were not strict followers of the Catholic Church. Fleeing from religious persecution many citizens left England and went to the English colony of America to start a new life (“Monarchs”). Elizabeth I brought back strength to the Church of England and stopped the religious turmoil that England suffered from by murdering Mary I (“Monarchs”).
During the Elizabethan era many new changes were brought about. There was an increase in education and literature lending itself to many influential people such as philosopher Thomas Hobbes, scie ntist Sir Isaac Newton, and authors such as Shakespeare (Stearns). Many of the people from the new Age of Reason have greatly impacted our teaching still today. Luxuries and extravagance were seen throughout society. Houses became more luxurious and comfortable with rugs, elaborate furniture, and feather beds (Ross sect. 6). Meals became large and sophisticated, no longer for necessity but for showing off wealth (Ross sect 7). The merchant class saw an increase in size due to the strong English navy and an increase in wool trade (Ross sect. 5). With a growth in the merchant class many more people were experiencing the luxuries that England had to offer. With all of the new changes at hand, England was starting to become a more influential world power (“Monarchs”).
Elizabethan Women
Although Elizabeth I was a female in power, females in Elizabethan times did not experience the same luxuries of Elizabeth I herself. Females could not inherit or own property (Thomas). All inheritance and property would go to the males. If a father did not have any male heirs the property would go to the husband of the eldest daughter (Thomas). Most women didn’t have the financial means for survival and since inheritance always went to the eldest male, they could not inherit the family’s money nor could they work to earn capital (Thomas). Working would have been a hardship for most woman since many women stayed at home since they had on average one baby every two years due to lack of contraceptives (Thomas).
It was unlawful for a woman to go to school or pursue higher education. Schools were reserved only for males although it was acceptable for a female to become educated through at tutor (Thomas). It was unlawful for a woman to practice law, politics, medicine, military, acting, painting, or literature (Thomas). Ironically the ruler of England was a female who sanctioned the arts such as literature and theater.
Unlike the spousal abuse depicted in The Taming of the Shrew it was unlawful for a man to abuse his wife. The make has a responsibility toward the welfare and care of his wife and cruelty to his spouse is punishable by law (Thomas).
Many women were forced into marriage. With the formation of the Church of England, single woman no longer had the convents to care for them (Thomas). Many single women had a hard time surviving since they were viewed as witches, and they could only work as domestic servants (Thomas). Many women married for a sense of security. Marriage lent them a home, food, and a job as the caretaker of the house (Thomas).
Elizabethan Dress
Getting dressed in Elizabethan times was quite a feat. Many components made up one outfit alone. Known for her spendthrift and intricate costumes, Elizabeth I started a fashion unique to sixteenth century England.
A female living in Elizabethan England would have many components to her fashionable attire. All women would wear a smock under all their clothes. This smock was lightweight and used to protect the clothes from body oil and sweat (Leed). After putting on a smock, the woman would then wear her stockings, similar to the nylon hose many women wear today. These stockings could have been wool or for the nobler class these would have been silk (Leed). Since elastic was not invented yet, these stockings were held up by a garter (Leed). After getting her stockings on the woman would wear a corset. The corset was a snug fitting item made out of wale bone used to flatten a woman’s bust and stomach making the appearance of a slim small waist (Leed). After squeezing into the corset, the woman would then add a Spanish farthingale, or a hoop skirt to provide the A line appearance which was fashionable during these times (Leed). Over the Spanish farthingale a woman would place a petticoat. The petticoat was used to add fullness to the woman’s gown (Leed). Finally it is time for the gown and sleeves. Over all of the items the woman would place her gown and sleeves. But the Elizabethan woman is still not ready to leave her house.
After dressing in the attire, the woman would make sure that she is wearing an appropriate headwear. Since many of the people did not wash their hair on a regular basis or even use soap for their hair, headwear was essential for making hair look beautiful (Leed). Wigs, hair extensions, or cloth covers were used to change the appearance of the woman’s hair into one of the utmost elegance (Leed). After fixing her hair, the woman would then apply white lead foundation to her face and red ceruse to her lips and cheeks (Leed). The whiter one’s face the better, as tanned skin was often looked upon as the working class. To finish off the outfit, the woman would add ruffs, stiff bands that one secured to their neck and wrists, and jewelry to her garment (Leed).
Stockel, Jessica. "Not So Tame: The Taming of the Shrew ." Units/2005. HTI: Houston Teaching Institute, n.d. Web. 6 Feb. 2012. <http://hti.math.uh.edu/curriculum/units/2005/09/05.09.13.php>.
William Shakespeare was born in April 23, 1564, in Stratford-Upon-Avon (England) to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden (Gray). In 1582 Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, eight years his senior (Gray). On May 26, 1583 Anne give birth to their first child, Susanna (Gray). Two years later Anne gives birth to twins. William and Anne have another daughter, Judith, and a son, Hamnet (who dies as a child). Shakespeare worked as a writer producing sonnets, tragedies, historical plays, and comedic plays. From 1564-1599 Shakespeare produced many of his famous plays such as Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, King John, Much Ado About Nothing, and Richard II (Gray). In 1599, Shakespeare helped to create the Globe Theater, which many of his plays were performed (Gray). Shakespeare was an integral part of his performances until 1613 when the theater burnt down to the ground. Shakespeare then retired from the play life focusing on writing until his death on April 23, 1616 (Literature Network 2004).
Life in 16th Century England
Life in 16th century England brought on a change for most citizens of this time. Prior to the 16th century England was ruled by strict theological rule, particularly the Roman Catholic Church (Stearns). The rule of the Catholic Church ruled social class, societal thought, and even education. Many of the noblemen and clergy of this time were not highly educated and at times even were literate (Stearns). Change started to happen in the early sixteenth century when Henry VIII tried to annul his marriage to Katherine of Aragon (“Monarchs”). The Roman Catholic Church denied Henry VIII an annulment; therefore, Henry broke away from the Catholic Church and formed the Church of England. With the formation of the Anglican Church many citizens of England were exploring the Protestant ideas of Luther and were breaking away from the Catholic Church as well. (“Monarchs”).
The daughter of Hennery VIII, Elizabeth I eventually inherited the throne of England following the rule of Mary I (“Monarchs”). One of the first matters of business was to ease the religious tensions that existed in England (“Monarchs”). During the rule of Mary I many Protestants and followers of the Anglican Church were persecuted and killed if they were not strict followers of the Catholic Church. Fleeing from religious persecution many citizens left England and went to the English colony of America to start a new life (“Monarchs”). Elizabeth I brought back strength to the Church of England and stopped the religious turmoil that England suffered from by murdering Mary I (“Monarchs”).
During the Elizabethan era many new changes were brought about. There was an increase in education and literature lending itself to many influential people such as philosopher Thomas Hobbes, scie ntist Sir Isaac Newton, and authors such as Shakespeare (Stearns). Many of the people from the new Age of Reason have greatly impacted our teaching still today. Luxuries and extravagance were seen throughout society. Houses became more luxurious and comfortable with rugs, elaborate furniture, and feather beds (Ross sect. 6). Meals became large and sophisticated, no longer for necessity but for showing off wealth (Ross sect 7). The merchant class saw an increase in size due to the strong English navy and an increase in wool trade (Ross sect. 5). With a growth in the merchant class many more people were experiencing the luxuries that England had to offer. With all of the new changes at hand, England was starting to become a more influential world power (“Monarchs”).
Elizabethan Women
Although Elizabeth I was a female in power, females in Elizabethan times did not experience the same luxuries of Elizabeth I herself. Females could not inherit or own property (Thomas). All inheritance and property would go to the males. If a father did not have any male heirs the property would go to the husband of the eldest daughter (Thomas). Most women didn’t have the financial means for survival and since inheritance always went to the eldest male, they could not inherit the family’s money nor could they work to earn capital (Thomas). Working would have been a hardship for most woman since many women stayed at home since they had on average one baby every two years due to lack of contraceptives (Thomas).
It was unlawful for a woman to go to school or pursue higher education. Schools were reserved only for males although it was acceptable for a female to become educated through at tutor (Thomas). It was unlawful for a woman to practice law, politics, medicine, military, acting, painting, or literature (Thomas). Ironically the ruler of England was a female who sanctioned the arts such as literature and theater.
Unlike the spousal abuse depicted in The Taming of the Shrew it was unlawful for a man to abuse his wife. The make has a responsibility toward the welfare and care of his wife and cruelty to his spouse is punishable by law (Thomas).
Many women were forced into marriage. With the formation of the Church of England, single woman no longer had the convents to care for them (Thomas). Many single women had a hard time surviving since they were viewed as witches, and they could only work as domestic servants (Thomas). Many women married for a sense of security. Marriage lent them a home, food, and a job as the caretaker of the house (Thomas).
Elizabethan Dress
Getting dressed in Elizabethan times was quite a feat. Many components made up one outfit alone. Known for her spendthrift and intricate costumes, Elizabeth I started a fashion unique to sixteenth century England.
A female living in Elizabethan England would have many components to her fashionable attire. All women would wear a smock under all their clothes. This smock was lightweight and used to protect the clothes from body oil and sweat (Leed). After putting on a smock, the woman would then wear her stockings, similar to the nylon hose many women wear today. These stockings could have been wool or for the nobler class these would have been silk (Leed). Since elastic was not invented yet, these stockings were held up by a garter (Leed). After getting her stockings on the woman would wear a corset. The corset was a snug fitting item made out of wale bone used to flatten a woman’s bust and stomach making the appearance of a slim small waist (Leed). After squeezing into the corset, the woman would then add a Spanish farthingale, or a hoop skirt to provide the A line appearance which was fashionable during these times (Leed). Over the Spanish farthingale a woman would place a petticoat. The petticoat was used to add fullness to the woman’s gown (Leed). Finally it is time for the gown and sleeves. Over all of the items the woman would place her gown and sleeves. But the Elizabethan woman is still not ready to leave her house.
After dressing in the attire, the woman would make sure that she is wearing an appropriate headwear. Since many of the people did not wash their hair on a regular basis or even use soap for their hair, headwear was essential for making hair look beautiful (Leed). Wigs, hair extensions, or cloth covers were used to change the appearance of the woman’s hair into one of the utmost elegance (Leed). After fixing her hair, the woman would then apply white lead foundation to her face and red ceruse to her lips and cheeks (Leed). The whiter one’s face the better, as tanned skin was often looked upon as the working class. To finish off the outfit, the woman would add ruffs, stiff bands that one secured to their neck and wrists, and jewelry to her garment (Leed).
Stockel, Jessica. "Not So Tame: The Taming of the Shrew ." Units/2005. HTI: Houston Teaching Institute, n.d. Web. 6 Feb. 2012. <http://hti.math.uh.edu/curriculum/units/2005/09/05.09.13.php>.
