Elizabethan Era

Introduction 

The Elizabethan age ushered in a new era of creative and literary brilliance in England. This was the period that saw the birth of some of the most celebrated authors in history such as William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, Edmund Spenser, and Ben Jonson.

The era was known for its use of language, as well as its innovations in poetic forms and genres. In addition to the famous plays written by Shakespeare and Marlowe, there were also works of poetry, prose, and religious texts written during this time period. Such works helped to shape English literature for centuries to come.

In this article, we’ll take a brief look at some of the key elements that make up Elizabethan literature and discuss why it has stood the test of time.

The Plays of the Elizabethan Age

If you're curious about the literature of the Elizabethan age, one of the best places to start is with its plays. Elizabethan theater was dominated by playwrights like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe. The Plays of these literary giants—as well as their contemporaries—focused on topics such as romance, comedy, tragedy, and history.

Shakespeare's plays often revolved around topics like love and ambition, as seen in his famous works such as Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth. Marlowe wrote plays about historical events in England such as Edward II and Tamburlaine the Great. Other playwrights of the era wrote about more comedic topics, such as John Lyly's Euphues or Robert Greene's Alphonsus King of Aragon.

The colorful language and unique structure of these works captured the imaginations of audiences during this period in English literature. With their mainstages located in London's Globe Theater and other performance halls in London and throughout England, these plays spread rapidly to all areas of society.

Poetry of the Elizabethan Age

The Elizabethan Age was a time of incredible poetic achievement that shaped the way that writers approached this form in the centuries to come. It was characterized by its use of elaborate, often extravagant language and imagery, which made it highly sophisticated in comparison to other literature of the period.

The most famous Elizabethan poets include William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Edmund Spenser. Shakespeare is arguably the most influential poet of all time, writing some of the most famous works in English literature such as Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Marlowe wrote extensively about love, mortality, and philosophical themes in his plays such as The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus. Finally, Spenser wrote about allegorical moral themes in his epic poem The Faerie Queene.

These works demonstrate how Elizabethan poets used their craft to explore a range of topics from love and death to power dynamics between people or pride versus humility. There is much to be gained from studying these works, both for their historical significance and for their timeless wisdom about human nature.

Historical Context for Elizabethan Literature

The Elizabethan era is widely thought of as a golden age in English literature, where writers such as William Shakespeare excelled. But what was it that made this time so special?

Elizabethan literature was heavily influenced by the political and religious context of the time. The Protestant Reformation had just taken place, and the English monarchy was at its strongest since the days of Henry VIII. These two powerful forces helped to shape the literature of the Elizabethan age.

Religion

The Protestant Reformation had a profound effect on Elizabethan literature, providing writers with a new set of religious ideas to explore. It also provided inspiration for plays and poems which tackled timeless themes of faith and suffering.

Politics

The period also saw an increase in political writing, with authors such as Sir Thomas More exploring themes of justice and tyranny in their works. This helped to shape the Elizabethan view of what constituted good government, inspiring countless works about kingship and justice that remains relevant even today.

Impact of William Shakespeare on Elizabethan Literature

The impact of William Shakespeare on Elizabethan literature is incalculable. His plays, sonnets, and other works have inspired countless writers and generations of readers through their timeless stories, innovative techniques, and masterful use of the English language.

Shakespeare's significant contribution to Elizabethan literature was his ability to capture the human experience with a depth and complexity that was unparalleled in his time. His works are intimately associated with the era, exploring themes such as ambition, loss, and love in ways that continue to captivate audiences today.


Some of his most iconic works include:

• The Tragedy of Macbeth: A gripping tale of ambition and power that has been beloved by theatergoers for centuries.

• Romeo & Juliet: A timeless classic about two star-crossed lovers whose tragic fate still resonates with readers today.

• A Midsummer Night's Dream: A magical tale about the power of love, this classic play shows us how even the seemingly impossible can be achieved with sheer determination.

William Shakespeare's works remain as relevant today as ever - a testament to his genius and an evergreen reminder of the Elizabethan age's remarkable literary legacy.

The Renaissance and the Reformation: 

In the Elizabethan age, there were two powerful forces the Renaissance and the reformation. Both the forces merged and collaborated with each other. These two movements yielded a great uplifting of the spirit. The renaissance provoked the intellect and aesthetic capabilities and the Reformation revived the spiritual nature.

Influences on Elizabethan Authors and Writers

The Elizabethan age was a time of immense literary growth. As the culture and society changed, so did the influence on authors and writers of the time.

The religious schism that rocked England during the 1500s had a huge impact on Elizabethan literature, particularly in terms of themes. Writers began to challenge Church authority, with some works carefully hinting at satire and moral criticism.

Meanwhile, Italian Renaissance ideas which had been circulating since the 1400s began to have an influence on English literature. Writers such as Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare were inspired by classical literature themes such as tragedy, comedy, and romance. And with the emergence of neo-classical esthetics came stricter structure throughout poems.

The omnipresence of books in upper-class households also had an effect on highbrow works becoming accessible to more people than ever before, which helped to shape the direction that English literature began heading in during this period. Writers worked hard to appeal to their growing audience’s tastes; they often included convoluted plots with intricate characterization or witty puns in order to keep their readers engaged.

Overall, the Elizabethan era left an indelible mark on English literature that can still be felt today both from its authors’ influence on later generations and from their own creations that live on centuries later.