Historical+Approach

Historical Approach




 * The Elizabethan era was the high point of Shakespeare’s literary and theatrical career. Up until the late 1500’s, the theater was looked down upon/ not supported. Theaters were in open fields with actors who had absolutely no social status and brought in very little income. Once the Globe Theater was built, the theater was taken more seriously and its popularity increases greatly. **




 * A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1558-1603) was written during Elizabeth’s reign, where England reached its high point with the creation of the stock exchange. Before this, England’s economy revolved around agriculture. The population mostly all lived in villages with no more than 500 people. While the men did the outside work, the women took on the responsibilities within the household. When the Royal exchange was introduced, the economy completely changed. The Cloth manufacturing business bloomed. While the men herded the sheep, the women threaded the wool. Elizabeth’s time is often noted for advances in science, art, and economics. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is about women defying men, and also a tribute to Queen Elizabeth. Elizabeth was unmarried, and although women were treated/ deemed as inferior to men in society, Elizabeth proved to be extremely influential and strong willed, just as the women in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" were, a reflection of the beloved Queen. **