The Elizabethan period was between 1558 - 1603, under the reign of Elizabeth I.
For the lower classes life in Elizabethan cities was uncertain, with severe cases of Malnutrition which didn't help the spread of diseases and the high rates of illness in towns and cities. Those in more rural areas heavily relied on the harvests, that were regularly not always reliable and were also severely effected.
The spread of diseases was aided by poor sanitation, due to no proper sewage systems, which was a major reason for the speed at which the plague spread (in 1563 and killed over 80,000 people). Sewage often found its way into the Thames and other rivers which were often used by the lower classes in their homes.
Crime was a major issue with many males carrying daggers or swords to protect themselves in towns and cities, however in the rural areas crime rates were lower. In rural areas they also seemed to live simple lives, often sharing house with their large families/extended families.
Those of a wealthier backgrounds spent a lot of time and money on materialistic things, such as appearance and possessions, in attempts to impress the other members of their social class. Portraits were often used to display their wealth, as well as focusing on the colours of their clothing, with purple being the colour for the highest class. Lower classes were refrained from wearing certain colours which would've been reflected in Shakespeare's play and aided the audiences perception of characters.
There were great changes during this time, with house being built across two levels which was helped by the production of chimneys and the mass production of bricks. Many people moved into towns and cities with glass being a popular material for wealthier classes.
Literacy skills improved as books like the Bible were produced in English and it aided the social revolution as it opened more opportunities for those from lower classes who had previously been commonly more illiterate.
Petty Schools were primary school where youngsters learnt to read and follow the Ten Commandments. Boys predominantly went on to further education learning subjects like Latin and learning manners and etiquette. Whereas girls did attend some petty schools, but could not continue afterwards so those wealthy enough often had their daughters taught by private tutors at home. In men the ability to read and write rose from 1 in 10 to 1 in 4 and 10% of women could too.
With the introduction of more schools this would've given Shakespeare better opportunities in life, enabling him to become the playwright we now know him as.
Reference:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b036rw5q/clips
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