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| The Elizabethan time period was the beginning of a new type of living. It was in this time period that a lot of the great artwork and entertainment came out into the open. I t was also the time in with William Shakespeare brought his talent into the world. It was a time in which King Henry the eighth and Queen Elizabeth ruled. In the Elizabethan time period the life styles ere much different hat today’s. Thanks to Shakespeare, people began to enjoy watching plays. They also enjoyed drinking, public executions, bear baiting, and cock fight. Occupations rather varied. There were jobs from bell boys, to club owners, and actors. One of the emerging jobs was that of a merchant. Along with the merchants the wool trade also rose. Living conditions weren’t the best. Streets laid under garbage and trash. Home weren’t much better. Everything was always filthy. The people rarely took baths and cleaned themselves. Shakespeare lived from April 23, 1564 through April 23, 1616. Although Shakespeare is most closely associates with the Elizabethan period his career can be categorized as both Elizabethan and Jacobean. Several works were completed after James I became the king in 1603. In the time of kings and queens, when traveling troupes of actors came to town to show plays and skits Shakespeare was famous. This, in some way could have motivated him to write plays in the first place. A playwright was not a common job. Shakespeare, being a descendent of yeomen farmer- people who cultivate and own a small farm-, knew that is wasn’t a smart job. In the past it was considered a well off job that brought in a nice sum of money. Although Stratford-upon-Avon was a small town consisting of 1,500 people with only 200 homes, Shakespeare managed to find a wife, get married, and raise a family of three with his income. He left hem behind and went off to London to become an actor/ playwright. There he gained plenty of wealth. Once he became a part of Lord Chamberling’s Men, an acting group, he protected the queen. He was able to by the most elaborate and expensive home in Stratford with his hard earned fortune. William became a part-owner of Globe Theater. He retired in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1610. He died on the birthday April 23, 1616. He of his wealth and popularity gained him a fine burial at the Holy Trinity Church in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. |
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| William Shakespeare |