The English Renaissance Flashcards
What happened to literacy during Elizabeth’s reign?
Literacy for males rose from 20% to 30% during Elizabeth I’s reign. Literacy for females stayed at 20%.
What were petty schools?
- Petty schools taught reading, writing and maths.
- There was no official curriculum and most schools didn’t have many resources.
- There were no classes or year groups. Students started aged six, became literate (could read and write) and then left.
- The schools were often run by wealthy people or local priests.
What was the development of theatre under Elizabeth?
- Many of the first permanent theatres were built. Rich and poor attended the same performances for the first time.
- The theatre was popular because it was affordable for all, exciting to watch, and it also served as a social occasion.
- Many plays carried political messages and hidden critiques of the ruling classes.
What was the opposition to the theatre?
Some opposed the theatre:
- Puritans believed the theatre distracted people from prayer, or even was sinful.
- Others believed that large crowds could lead to the spread of disease.
- Theatres could be dangerous because many members of the audience were drunk and crimes were committed.
How did Elizabeth feel about music?
- Under Elizabeth I’s patronage, music in England was world-class.
- Elizabeth I herself was an accomplished musician, particularly on the lute and virginals (an instrument like a keyboard).
Was art advanced under Elizabeth?
- Recently, historians have argued that art in Elizabethan England was not that impressive compared to the continent. Instead, they argue that music is superior.
- Elizabeth herself was not a keen patron of art and rarely commissioned her portraits.
Why was music important under Elizabeth?
- Music was central to the religious experience because of congregational singing.
Music was central to the religious experience because of congregational singing.
-Music was central to the religious experience because of congregational singing.
How did literature improve under Elizabeth?
- Literature thrived as printing presses spread. Ancient Latin and Greek writers were very popular in the original translations.
Did Elizabeth enjoy art at court?
- As Elizabeth I’s privy chamber was mostly female, it was more difficult to access her.
- Historians such as Starkey have argued that this meant it was more important to gain the Queen’s attention at court.
- Often, courtiers would perform poetry, and music or give the Queen portraits or miniatures.
- They hoped this would gain her favour and that she would give them patronage.
Historical assessment of the importance of the arts during Elizabethan rule:
- Kevin Sharpe (1999) argues that the exercise of royal authority in early modern England was a matter of negotiation and that regimes needed to get people on the side.
- Art, theatre, and leisure were all political. They all had an ideology and aimed to influence the way that people thought.
