THE THEATRE AND THE POOR Flashcards
Who was the gentry?
People who had no title but had status and power based on their wealth
How did the rise of the gentry effect England
More manor houses were developed and fashions began to change
How many theatres were there in England in 1559
0
What law was passed against actors in 1572 and why
Those actors were to be punished as vagabonds as they were immoral people who caused trouble wherever they went
In what year was the first Theatre opened
1576
Name three theatres
The Rose, The Swan, and The Globe
How were Elizabethan theatres designed
There was an uncovered circular pit with surrounding covered galleries
Name one famous playwright
William Shakespeare
Name a famous actor
Richard Burbage
Why did the rich like the theatre?
It was an exciting night out- entertainment was held in an area with a bad reputation
They could be entertained but could do so while being separated from the poor
Why did the poor like the theatre
Because it was cheap while also being nearby as theatres tended to be built in poorer areas
Who disliked the theatre and why?
Puritans they felt it encouraged immoral behaviour
Why did Elizabeth and her government initially not support the Theatre and why did they change their minds
Plays could be policed to encourage and support the Queen painting her and her government in a positive light to the public
London was very overpopulated with 200,000 residents in 1600- the entertainment kept them occupied, less likely to rebel
Which play presented both the Tudors and Elizabeth in a positive light
Richard III
What was the Great Chain of Being
The idea that everyone has their correct place in society and that if it were to be challenged that it would evoke chaos
What were 2 causes of poverty
The population rose by 43% between 1550 and 1600. Food and Jobs were scarce and hard to come by as a result only leading to more poverty
Wages stayed the same if not worsened and prices increased meaning an endless circle of poverty
Why did poverty worsen in the 1590’s
There was a poor harvest in 1593-97 meaning there was less money and food and increasing wages
Why did poverty become a greater issue in Elizabethan England
The Monasteries were all closed down by Henry VIII- before the Monasteries would look after the poor but with their absence that support was no longer present
Which group of poor people were seen to deserve help
The impotent poor - those unable to provide for themselves because they were too young, too old or too ill.
Which group of poor people were seen to be NOT deserving of help
The idle poor- vagabonds, those who were fit to work but chose not to and committed crimes.
How did local government deal with the poor?
In Norwich Alms (money for the poor) was collected and work was provided them in the workhouse (a house where people worked0
What was the Elizabethan Poor law
The government’s solution to the problem of poverty
When was the poor law passed
1597
How did the Elizabethan Poor Law work
A “poor rate was collected (a tax) and this paid for the workhouse and relief payments for the deserving poor”
