Elizabethan Theatre Intro

Question 1

Why was the Elizabethan period names so? [2]

Answer 1

• Because queen Elizabeth 1 was the reigning monarch of the time.
• and was the queen when Shakespeare was born

Question 2

When was Shakespeare born?

Answer 2

1564

Question 3

What three things was Shakespeare in his time?

Answer 3

• actor
• writer
• director

Question 4

What was this period [elizabethan period] characterised by?

Answer 4

Strong nationalism - the ENGLISH nation was proud of all that they had achieved and believed in the strength and achievements of their nation.

Question 5

During this time, why were history plays so popular?

Answer 5

Because there was now a strong central government, greater economic prosperity and more opportunities for capitalist development.

Question 6

Another reason for history plays being so popular was because there was conflict between 2 religions. Name the 2 religions. AND what religion was Elizabeth part of?

Answer 6

• Great conflict between the CATHOLIC and PROTESTANT.
• Elizabeth was a Protestant ruler.

Question 7

What launched launched England on the road to more modern drama?

Answer 7

The Elizabethan banning of catholic beliefs and leaving mediaeval drama behind launched them into more modern drama.