Gifted English I

This period is associated with Queen Elizabeth I’s reign (1558-1603).

England during this period had a centralized, well-organized, and effective government. They were also greatly profiting from trade with the colonies.

This age – also known as the English Renaissance -- is considered the GOLDEN AGE in English history

----- literature, poetry, and theatre all broke away from the past and expanded in new creative directions.

The Protestant Reformation, the people focused more on humanism than religion as the subject of their writing. The arts became incredibly important at this time.

Women were relatively unrestrained, torture and persecution were at an all-time low, the borders were open to travelers from other countries.

Travel and exploration were important and most new inventions were related to travel of some sort.

Mystery plays – complex retellings of legends formed from biblical stories

University drama – recreated Greek tragedies

Masque plays – told of ethics and myths… included singing, dancing, and elaborate costumes.

Tour troupes – groups of professional “players” who traveled to perform. They were funded by wealthy patrons.

These groups were first seen as vagabonds and the law tried to make them stop performing. But they became immensely popular. The miracle plays and masques died out.

Tour troupes received better and better funding as Queen Elizabeth I showed her enthusiasm for them.

‘Baptized’ 26 April 1564 in his hometown:

Stratford-upon-Avon.

England’s National Poet

At 18 he married Anne Hathaway, who bore him three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith.

While in his twenties, Shakespeare lived in London and was a successful actor, writer, and part owner of a playing company called the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men.

His early plays were comedies and histories. His later plays were mostly tragedies. His final works were tragicomedies, or romances, like The Tempest.

You will create a powerpoint presentation of at least 8 slides (or a website) about the Elizabethan era:

Use at least three sources. One must be a book (NO WIKIPEDIA!). At least 10 summary cards should also be included.

*Consider each PPT slide as a paragraph of a normal research paper!! Pick your focus, give evidence, and analyze/reflect! You must have a title slide and a works cited slide.

The Family Crime and Punishment

Gender Roles  Education

Theatre Sports and Leisure Activities

Clothing Food and Nutrition

Sickness and Health Care The Social Classes

Science and Superstition

Art and Architecture

Town Life vs. Country Life

Religion and the Church

Politics and The Government  

The Globe Theatre

When did Queen Elizabeth I come into power? How long was she in power? Who was her father? Who succeeded her? What was her reign like?

Describe the religious climate during this time. What was the main religion at the time? What were some of the changes (reformation) that took place in religion at the time?

Describe the daily life of a peasant? A noble? What was the status/role of women within this era?