Research Paper On Elizabethan England

The Elizabethan Age
Thomas Wolfe, an American novelist, once said, “Culture is the arts elevated to a set of beliefs” (“Thomas Wolfe Quotes”). What defines a culture? According to Dictionary.com, a culture is a stage of civilization, with its own quality in arts, manners, and pursuits. Like many other societies and civilizations, different factors affected and shaped England’s culture. At the time, the reign of Queen Elizabeth saw England as a prominent, leading nation due to its trade and commerce (“Elizabethan England”). Art, wealth, and music positively influenced the English culture during the sixteenth century.
First, art contributed to the English culture. In the everyday life, art played an important part to the both the middle and upper class. Throughout Elizabeth’s reign, the top poets, artists, and performers resided in London, the capital of England (“Elizabethan England”). Especially for many people in the middleclass, art became an outlet of imagination and creativity.
Correspondingly, theatres, musicals, and comedies flourished in England (“Elizabethan England”). With the growing population and thriving environment, artists, musicians and writers seized the opportunity and provided some of the best works that are still held in high regard today. As a result, England’s booming economy rested on its art and creativity.
The English people treasured and valued their money and power. In the everyday life, social status and position determined one’s clothing (“Elizabethan Dress Codes”). At this time, merchants imported and traded for extravagant fabrics to create clothing for the upper-class. On the other hand, those who did not posses a lot of money resorted to thieving (“Elizabethan Dress Codes”). During this time, England became notorious for its cunning, rogue thieves and pick-pocketers. As a result, a large percentage of England’s population lived in luxury and comfort, raising England’s social