a golden age

• What is the social hierarchy in towns during the Elizabethan era?

  The poorest were labourers and servants.
• Who were the poorest in the countryside during the Elizabethan era?

  Farm labourers, artisans, and soldiers.
• Who are included in the middling sort in the countryside?

  Tenants and freeholders.
• What titles are associated with the gentry?

  Gentlemen and Esquires.
• What is at the top of the social hierarchy?

  Nobility, including Dukes, Earls, and Barons.
• What percentage of people lived in the countryside during the Elizabethan era?

  Nearly 90 percent lived in the countryside.
• What was expected of Elizabethans regarding obedience?

  They were expected to obey those above them.
• Who was the head of the household in Elizabethan families?

  The husband and father was the head.
• What did the Sumptuary Laws of 1574 dictate?

  They regulated who could wear certain fabrics.
• Who could wear ermine according to the Sumptuary Laws?

  Only royalty could wear ermine.
• What fabrics were the nobility allowed to wear?

  Silk, velvet, fur, and gold fabrics.
• Why was dress and fashion important in Elizabethan society?

  It indicated social status and position.
• Who were the gentry in Elizabethan society?

  People below the nobility, including Esquires.
• What roles did the gentry often hold?

  Judges, Justices of the Peace, or sheriffs.
• What contributed to the growing prosperity in Elizabethan England?

  Investments in new businesses and ventures.
• What industries emerged during the Elizabethan era?

  Brick-making, glass-blowing, and mining.
• What was the population of England by 1600?

  3 million people.
• What was a consequence of population growth in Elizabethan England?

  Increased demand for food and goods.
• What was the significance of Moyse's Hall in Bury St Edmunds?

  It was a home of a merchant family.
• What issues did not everyone see as a Golden Age?

  Increased crimes and vagrancy.
• What were the consequences of vagrancy for poor people?

  Severe punishments and joblessness.
• What types of plays replaced mystery plays in the Elizabethan era?

  Morality plays and interlude plays.
• What was the role of wealthy noblemen in the theatre?

  They sponsored professional player troupes.
• Who were some notable Elizabethan playwrights?

  William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben Jonson.
• How did Elizabethan plays reflect society?

  They explored lives of ordinary people and heroes.
• What themes were often dealt with in Elizabethan plays?

  Debates between Catholics and Protestants.
• What were bawdy jigs?

  Songs and dances with rude jokes.
• Why did many Puritans dislike the theatres?

  They believed plays encouraged immoral behavior.
• What was the government's attitude towards the theatre?

  Divided; some supported, others opposed it.
• What did Queen Elizabeth I do regarding the theatre?

  She was a patron and enjoyed plays.
• What happened in 1574 regarding public performances?

  All public performances were banned within city walls.
• What was the consequence of the ban on public performances?

  Purpose-built theatres had to be built outside city walls.
• What happened to theatres by 1642?

  All theatres in London were banned.
• Why was the Elizabethan theatre important in society?

  • Provided entertainment for all social classes
  • Reflected societal issues and debates
  • Served as a social hub for community interaction
• What were the strengths and weaknesses of the Elizabethan theatre?

  Strengths:

  • Engaged diverse audiences
  • Showcased talented playwrights and actors
  • Contributed to cultural development

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Attracted negative attention from Puritans
  • Linked to crime and disease
  • Faced governmental opposition