The sports, games, and pastimes of the time of Shakespeare have not just been set aside and paid no attention to, but they have been effectively abandoned and omitted. The Elizabethan hobbies have been thoroughly overshadowed by many modern sports such as baseball, football, soccer, hockey, and an abundant amount of other games. The 16th century English pastimes included many activities that were impeccable examples of both simplicity and amusement intertwined. With all of these amusing yet transparent games, the era was most acknowledged for theater- a prominent art that is still valued today. The sports, games, and pastimes of the time of Shakespeare are rarely played today because they would be considered illegal, barbarous, and inhumane. During the Elizabethan Era, an average citizen was insensitive to watching the substantial suffering of humans and animals in games known as “Spectator” or “Blood” sports. These sports attracted many people, both men and women, of all classes. Although these games may be considered to be bestial today, they were appealing and appreciated by many common Elizabethans. Gambling at these uncivilized events was acutely popular among the hundreds of spectators in attendance. Queen Elizabeth took extreme pleasure when watching spectator sports, and would host them when attempting to enthrall foreign, visiting officials. Cock fighting, bear baiting, and bull baiting were three very prevalent games. Cock fighting was significant during the reign of Queen Elizabeth and was one of the most famous hobbies among all of the social classes. These fights between male roosters, or cocks, often took place in designated areas, called cockpits, enclosed by stones or benches. For her own amusement, Quee... ... middle of paper ... ..., perhaps you might find more interesting things to do. Many Elizabethans occupied their time with various activities. Of course, the Elizabethan Era being the time of Shakespeare, going to the theatre was always an option. Attending the most well-known, The Globe Theatre was an adventure in itself. Many of Shakespeare's plays (he acted in some of them) were performed at this magnificent theatre. The sports, games, and pastimes of the time of Queen Elizabeth were simple yet dangerous and brutal. Theater and some simple games were two pastimes that were rather peaceful compared to their gruesome counterparts (Spectator sports and individual activities). Blood sports were the most common and favorable of all of the activities, and back then, they were accepted and considered normal. In our time, however, they are thought to be inhumane and cruel.
The Elizabethan Era was a Golden Age for the English people during the late 1500s and early 1600s. This time period is referred to as the English Renaissance because new ideas were introduced to Elizabethan daily life. People enjoyed learning; they enjoyed art, culture, music, and food. The people also enjoyed celebrating many customs and festivals. These celebrations became a major part of daily life, and there were many customs to celebrate.
The Elizabethan ages were very dark, and very violent. War was a common occurrence during Queen Elizabeth’s rule, and it was often quite bloody. slightly before the Elizabethan times, war was only fought with swords and shields. To teach soldiers how to handle these weapons, especially a sword, fencing was a necessity for winning battles and eventually for winning wars. But as guns were being introduced into warfare during Queen Elizabeth’s rule, fencing became more recreational (Elizabethan 1). Even though fencing was becoming more obsolete in warfare, it was still used to train knights, and was also used to keep the people of England entertained.
The music was played very often as a normal routine. People considered it a must to know how to play an instrument, sing, or be involved somehow with music in this age of time. Instruments in the 1600’s were able to make any type of music; the amazing part was no matter how many instruments you used it would always sound pure and the same. Another unique thing about the music and culture in the 1600’s is that it was also healthy for the body. During the Elizabethan Era the people would gather together to dance and dance for hours, their stamina must have been incredible. Music was use to entertain most people. Before the music became a big part in people life during the Elizabethan Era theatre played a really big part during this time. It was out of the ordinary for women to take part in or be a part of the theatre during this period of time. Do to the fact that women were not allowed to play in any of the plays or drama, younger boys who were still young played the role of women.
Although there is no sensual temptation in Arthur’s court, the nature of the environment illustrates the temptations of pleasures that evoke a will to live. Primarily, the simple temptation of pleasure is stemmed from tournament games:
In William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, the protagonist, Hamlet, has arrived “from his university studies to find Claudius, his uncle, ruling Denmark and married to his mother, Gertrude. Her remarriage within two months of his father’s death has left Hamlet disillusioned, confused, and suspicious about Claudius” (DiYanni 1394). These types of crimes do not only happen in a person’s imagination, or in a made-up play, but also in our society today. Our society is just as immoral as Claudius and Gertrude. On the other hand, in Susan Gaspell’s contemporary play, Trifles, women are strong in character, protective of one another, and in charge of the situation, unlike Gertrude. Therefore, both Shakespeare and Gaspell have similar aspects of portrayal of the role of women, murder, and loyalty; and different aspects such as incest, suicide, and revenge.
"Elizabethan Theatre Audiences." Elizabethan Theatre Audiences. Strayer University, 16 May 2012. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.
Elizabeth grew up like most royal children. She had many tutors who taught her. She was very successful in English and music. Elizabeth loved music and could play the lute. Elizabeth also loved to dancing and watch plays. The arts increased in her time. This was when William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlow began their famous careers. Writers paid tribute to her through literary form (Queen Elizabeth 1).
Female educators in the early 1900’s strived to control the participation of women in sport, establishing certain constraints in order to maintain a male-dominated sports sphere. Athletic activity was healthy; yet too much athletic activity was rigorous and harmful to the female body. At the same time, though, these educators made a point to stress the presence of femininity in sport—which directly contributed to the introduction of sexuality into sport. If the educators of the early 1900’s did not have such an overbearing presence in female sport, maybe there would be no discussion about the swimming suit modeling of Amanda Beard, or the sexy, controversial, eccentric outfits Serena Williams shows off while playing at Wimbledon.
"Elizabethan Era." Elizabethan Era | The Lost Colony. The Lost Colony, 2013. Web. 20 Mar.
How many days could you go without a bar of soap? Or without playing your favorite sport? About 500 years ago people didn’t possess the simple things that we currently take for granted today. Much of these things were either created or shaped during the Renaissance, the time of rebirth. The Renaissance era played an immense role in shaping modern America by forming a base for different American pastimes, creating awareness of different diseases, and encouraging originality.
“I know I have the body of a weak, feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king-and a king of England too,” (“Elizabeth I” BBC). These were the words that came out of Queen Elizabeth’s mouth. She was the ruler of England from 1559 until her death in 1603. She was the daughter of King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. She was born on September 7, 1533 at the Greenwich Palace, London. (“Queen Elizabeth I” Royal). Elizabeth is best known for the Golden Age of England, also known as the Elizabethan Era (“Queen Elizabeth I” Bio), and also defeating the Spanish Armada. She was crowned queen on January 15, 1559 by Owen Oglethorpe, bishop of Carlisile at Westminster Abbey (“Elizabeth I”, Queen). Elizabeth was strong-minded, but was not a stubborn ruler. She always listened to everybody’s advice, and was devoted to her people. She was strong, able, and independent, but Elizabeth was flexible. She balanced the interests of different people in court (Frey, 341). It is said that she showed her father’s view of the monarchy, and showed great wisdom by refusing directly to the Parliament (“Elizabeth I” Britannia). Queen Elizabeth never married, because she thought that her husband would take over her power. She said that she was married to the people of England (Frey, 341). She never wanted to use the promises of marriage for political purposes (Elizabeth I BBC). England had it’s Golden Age under her rule. She supported education, fashion, literature, theater, and dance. She strengthened England’s economy. She also agreed to have English trading companies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. She was able to fund Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Rale...
It is for this reason, that Lear and Gloucester are considered as fools for their actions as instead of taking responsibility for their actions, they absolve their guilt by viewing the Gods as omniscient figures who “kill [them] for sport”. By referring to his downfall as a “sport”, Gloucester conveys that the Gods view the downfall of man as entertainment and that man is powerless against all Gods as if they are “flies to wanton boys”. The theme of Materialism vs Spirituality also appears to be presented in The Bloody Chamber story, especially through the intriguing character of the Marquis and his contrast with Jean-Yves in the eyes of the female narrator. Carter appears to use this contrast in order to convey the notion that wealth and materialistic possessions can easily be corrupted.
Every generation carries their own concerns of their era, until a new one is made and the cycle continues with the next bringing along new or adding onto these concerns. Over the years, societies have faced one complication after the other; however, each generation’s problems are unique in their own way. Many have heard about Shakespeare and read his stories, but few know about the anxieties and worry his generation carried and the underlying messages in his plays. However, artifacts from these times might be able to shed light on the types of people and the era they once lived in.
They believe it was for the peasants so the male peasants took part while the rulers stayed put. This scenario has completely flip-flopped in the modern male sporting culture. Relations between men involved in sport and men who are uninvolved has become less of a toxic relationship. Men who are uninvolved in sport now aspire to be the men involved. They are adored and idolized unlike the rich of the Medieval Times. Gender relations in sports is not just between men and women. The long residuals also involve relations between two of the same
The name most associated with excellence in theatre is William Shakespeare. His plays, more than any other playwright, resonate through the ages. It may be safe to say that he has influenced more actors, directors, and playwrights than any thespian in the history of the stage. But what were his influences? During the Middle Ages theatre was dominated by morality, miracle, and mystery plays that were often staged by the church as a means to teach the illiterate masses about Christianity. It wasn’t until the early sixteenth century that Greek tragedy experienced a revival, in turn, inspiring a generation of renaissance playwrights.