The Elizabethan Age and Early Jacobean Era
This section provides an overview of the historical periods during Shakespeare's lifetime:
The Elizabethan Age 1558−1603 and the early Jacobean Era 1603−1625 marked the climax of the English Renaissance. This period saw a rise in poetry, music, and theatre, but was also characterized by war, economic depression, and complex spiritual and political conflicts.
Definition: The English Renaissance was a period of cultural and artistic flourishing in England, roughly from the late 15th to the early 17th century.
The Elizabethan age represented a breakthrough from the Middle Ages, and much of this period is portrayed in Shakespeare's plays. This era laid the foundation for understanding the context in which Shakespeare lived and wrote.
Highlight: Shakespeare's works often reflect the society, politics, and culture of the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods, making them valuable historical sources.