Analysis of Drama- “The Tempest”
October 27, 2021
Research historical aspect of the Elizabethan/Shakespearean era. Identify the features of the
Elizabethan theatre. Create a family tree based on the characters in “The Tempest”.
The Elizabethan Era took place from 1558 to 1603 and is considered by many historians to be
the golden age in English History. During this era England experienced peace and prosperity
while the arts flourished. The time period is named after Queen Elizabeth I who ruled
England during this time.
William Shakespeare is the most important and influential poet of all time. He created many
plays that are the basis for all human emotions today. He was able to create characters with
psychological issues that are still relevant centuries later. Shakespeare introduced a new
psychological realism in his play
Key historical facts about the Elizabethan era include:
The Elizabethan Period Lasted 45 Years.
Shakespeare Published His First Play in the Elizabethan Era.
Elizabethan Society was Class-Based.
Cuisine Exploded During the Elizabethan Period.
Nobody Drank Water in Elizabethan England.
Witch Hysteria Occurred in Elizabethan England.
The main features of an Elizabethan theatre:
The theatre was open and plays had to be performed in daylight.
A flag would be flown from the top of the theatre to show a play was going to be
performed.
People sat around the stage in galleries.
The cheapest place was in front of the stage where ordinary people stood. They were
known as ‘groundlings’.
There was very little scenery – a character would tell the audience where the scene
was set.
Women’s parts were played by boys.
Long speeches gave actors a chance to change their clothes.
There was generally plenty of violence in the plays – Tudor audiences loved it.
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