Society

Society and social classes in Shakespeare's England were structured and hierarchical, with a clear distinction between he privileged and the less fortunate.  The social structure of the time heavily influenced Shakespeare's writing, as he often depicted the complexities and interactions between different social classes in his plays.

The monarch and the aristocracy had a fondness for Shakespeare's plays.

At the top of the social hierarchy were the nobility, including the monarch, aristocrats, and landed gentry.  They held significant political and economic power, owned vast estates, and enjoyed privileges and luxuries.  The nobility often served as patrons of the arts, including theater, providing financial support and fostering the flourishing of aristocratic endeavors.

Beneath the nobility were the gentry, who were landowners of lesser rank.  They held positions of authority and influence in local communities, serving as justices of the peace or holding other administrative roles.  The gentry sought to maintain their social status and often aspired to secure noble titles through alliances and marriages.

The gentry, enjoying a meal.
The bourgeoisie was constantly pitted against the gentry in terms of hierarchy.  Think of the old money vs. new money arguments of today.  The bourgeoisie was very much the new money.

The middle class, also known as the bourgeoisie, comprised professionals, merchants, traders, and skilled craftsmen.  This emerging class had economic stability and some social mobility, as their wealth allowed them to improve their social standing.  the rising middle class contributed to the growth of trade, commerce, and urbanization during the Elizabethan era.

The majority of the population belonged to the lower class, including laborers, agricultural workers, and servants.  They often lived in rural areas and faced economic hardships, limited opportunities, and dependence on the landed gentry for employment.

A lower class woman working.

Shakespeare's writing reflected the diverse social fabric of Elizabethan England.  His plays depicted characters from different social classes, showcasing their interactions, conflicts, and aspirations.  He portrayed the noble and aristocratic classes with their privileges and flaws, exploring themes of power, ambition, and the responsibilities of the ruling class.  Examples can be seen in plays like Macbeth and Julius Caesar.

In Julius Caesar, the aristocracy turns on itself.

Shakespeare also portrayed characters from the middle and lower classes, giving them a voice and highlighting their struggles.  He depicted the experiences of commoners, servants, and laboreres, addressing social issues, class divisions, and the complexities of human relationships across different social strata.  Characters like Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream and the porter in Macbeth provide glimpses into the lives and perspectives of those outside aristocracy.

The character of Bottom from A Midsummer Night's Dream is a basket weaver and literally turns into an ass.

Shakespeare's exploration of social classes served not only to reflect the society of his time, but also to engage and resonate with his diverse audience.  Theater was a popular form of entertainment for people from all walks of life, and Shakespeare's plays provided a platform for social commentary, humor, and insight into the human condition.