Date:___________________________
The Elizabethan Era
As part of our study of William Shakespeare’s
Macbeth it is important to understand the era during
which the play was written and its influences on the
text. To help you do so visit the website
http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/ and answer the
questions that follow.
Women
1. During the Elizabethan Era women were thought to be subservient
to men. As a result women had to rely on their male relations to
support them. Identify 2 rights women during the Elizabethan Era were
denied.
2. Why did Queen Elizabeth I not marry?
3. Women of which class would receive an education? What did their
education consist of?
Clothing & Fashion
1. What were the Sumptuary Laws? Why were they created? What
were some punishments people faced for not following these laws?
2. Complete the chart below based on women’s fashion according to
the Sumptuary Laws.
Social Class
Queen
Duchess
Lower Class
Material allowed
Colour
Witchcraft & Superstition
1. Who was commonly accused of being a witch and why?
2. Why were witches commonly blamed for unexplained illnesses and
deaths?
3. What was a common punishment if you were found guilty of being a
witch?
4. Identify 2 common Elizabethan superstitions.
Crime & Punishment
1. Complete the following chart by identifying crimes and punishments
based upon a citizen’s social standing.
Social Class
Upper Class
Lower Class
Crimes
Punishments