Society in Elizabethan Times
The Elizabethan society was highly structured and class-oriented, reflected in various aspects of daily life. The Elisabethanisches Zeitalter Merkmale included distinct social hierarchies and gender roles that shaped people's lives and opportunities.
Definition: The Great Chain of Being was a hierarchical structure of all matter and life, believed to have been decreed by God. This concept was fundamental to the Elisabethanisches Weltbild.
Women's roles in Elizabethan society were severely restricted. They were not allowed to make decisions about their own lives, including whom they would marry. Marriage was often viewed as an economic proposition, with women seen as "objects for trade." The ideal woman was expected to be submissive, fertile, reserved, modest, obedient, and beautiful.
Highlight: Women were not permitted to act on stage during this period, leading to male actors playing female roles in Elisabethanisches Theater.
London street life during the Elizabethan era was chaotic and often unsanitary. The streets were dirty, muddy, and smelly, with rats being a common sight. Social classes were separated even in the layout of streets, reflecting the rigid social structure of the time.
Vocabulary: Pubs, or public houses, were popular gathering places in London, but women were generally not allowed to visit them except for prostitution.
The Theater zu Shakespeares Zeit played a significant role in Elizabethan society. Theatres were often located outside the city limits and were popular entertainment venues for all social classes. Comedy plays were particularly favored, providing a much-needed escape from the harsh realities of daily life.
Quote: "Theatres had to be a funny place," reflecting the importance of entertainment and escapism in Elizabethan society.
