Understanding Shakespeare’s Era (1560 - 1620)

William Shakespeare lived during an extraordinary period of English history. The years between 1560 and 1620 were marked by political, social, and religious upheaval, which influenced shakespeare’s works and themes he explored. Understanding the context of this era is important to fully appreciate plays such as Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, and Much Ado About Nothing. 

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The Elizabethan and Jacobean Age

Shakespeare’s life spanned the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603) and King James I (1603-1625). The Elizabethan Age was a time of cultural flourishing, sometimes called the English Renaissance. It saw great achievements in literature, science, and exploration. England became a dominant naval power after the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, and London grew into a thriving city, attracting ambitious playwrights, poets, and artists.

During this period, England was also deeply religious. The Protestant Reformation, initiated by Henry VIII (Elizabeth’s father and James’ great uncle) in the 1530s, continued to influence political and personal life. Catholics were often persecuted under Elizabeth’s rule, and religious conflict played a role in many of Shakespeare’s works. After Elizabeth’s death, James I ascended the throne, which kick started the Jacobean era. James was deeply interested in witchcraft and the supernatural, which influenced plays such as Macbeth.

Theatre in Shakespeare's Time

Censorship was also a significant issue. This is where the government would monitor plays to prevent political or religious dissent. Playwrights had to be careful not to offend the monarchy or church authorities. Despite this, Shakespeare cleverly used historical and foreign settings to comment on contemporary issues. Julius Caesar, for example, explored themes of political betrayal and the consequences of power struggles, which would have resonated with audiences aware of Elizabeth’s concerns over succession and potential rebellion. In Macbeth, Shakespeare made Banquo an ancestor of James I. In the play Banquo doesn’t trust the witches, and therefore doesn’t go down the same path as Macbeth. 

Themes in Shakespeare’s Plays

Many of Shakespeare’s plays reflect the anxieties and aspirations of his time.

• Power and kingship: Shakespeare wrote several plays exploring leadership, ambition, and the dangers of tyranny. Macbeth, written during the reign of James I, reflects about the divine right of kings. James had survived the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, and Macbeth serves as a warning about the chaos caused by regicide and ambition.

• Love and family conflict: Romeo and Juliet captures the intense passion and tragedy of young love but also highlights the destructive nature of feuds between powerful families. The strict social structures and importance of honour in the play reflect Elizabethan values.

• Prejudice and justice: The Merchant of Venice tackles issues of religious intolerance and justice. The treatment of Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, reflects the widespread anti-Semitism of the period.

• Comedy and gender roles: Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy that plays with gender expectations. The role of women in Elizabethan society was largely defined by marriage and obedience, but characters like Beatrice challenge these norms.

• Political intrigue and betrayal: Julius Caesar is a historical play that examines the consequences of political ambition. In a time when rulers feared assassination and rebellion, Shakespeare’s dramatisation of Caesar’s fate would have been relevant.

Superstition and the Supernatural

The Role of Women and Marriage

Women in Shakespeare’s time had very few legal rights and were expected to marry and obey their husbands. This is evident in plays like Much Ado About Nothing, where Hero’s reputation is nearly destroyed by accusations of infidelity. Yet Shakespeare also created strong, independent female characters such as Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing) and Portia (The Merchant of Venice), who challenge traditional gender roles. These characters suggest Shakespeare’s awareness of the limitations placed on women.

Crime and Punishment

Justice was strict in the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods. Punishments for crimes were harsh, with public executions and torture used to maintain order. In The Merchant of Venice, Shylock’s demand for a “pound of flesh” reflects the severity of the legal system. Similarly, the feuding families in Romeo and Juliet demonstrate the consequences of lawlessness and revenge.

Understanding the historical and cultural background of Shakespeare’s time helps us to appreciate his plays more deeply. His works were shaped by the politics, religion, and social structures of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. The themes of power, love, prejudice, and justice remain relevant today, which is why Shakespeare’s plays continue to be studied and performed around the world.