Political and Social World of England in 1606

The political and social context surrounding the play “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare has a great impact on the play itself. Written in England in 1606, there are many aspects of the world at this time that have a great influence upon the characters, plot and setting as referred to by Shakespeare. In order for the reader to better understand the context of the story in the time it was written, the reader must go back and learn of the social and political context. Only then will they be able to understand certain aspects of Macbeth, as well as being able to recognize any relationships between the two.

Political Context in England 1606

Rulers:

1. Mary I (1553 – 1558)
2. Elizabeth I (1558 – 1603)
3. James I (1603 – 1625)

- When James I became king he had many financial problems. The previous monarch, Elizabeth I, had left him a debt of over 400,000 pounds and in 1606, England had a debt of over 600,000 pounds

- James I had hoped to unify England and settle religious matters in Europe but he lacked in finesse and was ignorant of the public and limitations of power.

- Approximately 30 years later, his son, Charles I would try to accomplish his father’s dream with a bit of an iron fist, resulting in the English Civil War

- An Act of Parliament (Act to restrain abuses of players) was passed in 1606 that stated that if any person or persons use or profanely speak of the name of God or of Jesus, of the Holy Ghost and of the Trinity in any play, they would have to forfeit ten pounds

Social World of England in 1606

- 1533 – Elizabeth I was born (to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn)

- The conflict between Catholics and Protestants was a serious problem

- As well, there was little money left in the royal treasury (because of Mary)

- In terms of continental conflicts, Spain as well as France posed a threat

- Elizabeth began by eliminating religious conflicts

- Mary Queen of Scots was executed in 1587

- After defeating the Spanish Armada, England became the strongest naval power in the world

- There was a general acceptance of the hierarchy of the time. Although there were complaints among the people, they did not challenge the order but just sought help from the people “above” them.

- Many European wars had occurred bringing in a very large amount of refugees to England.

- Music was a very prevalent source of entertainment for people in this era.

- In Elizabethan times, drama grew as a form of entertainment. Nearing the end of Shakespeare’s life however, there was a decline the popularity of theatre in England.

- Some other large parts of Elizabethan society were the feasts and festivals. People would often gather at feasts and banquets.

- At this point in England’s history a new class was beginning to emerge. This class, named the merchant class, was the beginning of the modern middle class. This new merchant class allowed people of talent, such as Shakespeare and others to rise to prominence and some wealth.

- At this point in England colonialism had begun. The East India Company controlled much of India and England started its colonization of the West Indies and North America. This allowed much of the poor the opportunity for work in the New World.

- Demonology was also present in England in 1606 and was commonly believed by the common person. James I himself wrote Daemonology a few years before

Civil War. 2001. BBC. 31 Jan. 2007.

"Elizabeth I." 30 Sept. 2006. It's All Politics. 25 Jan. 2007.

"Historical Background." . Center for History and New Media. 21 Jan. 2007.

Internet Shakespeare Editions. . University of Victoria. 31 Jan. 2007.

"United Kingdom." Encyclopædia Britannica.2007. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 31 Jan. 2007.