Elizabethan Worldview

Definition

The Elizabethan worldview refers to the set of beliefs and values that characterized society during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in England (1558-1603). This worldview was deeply influenced by a combination of Renaissance humanism, religious doctrine, and the hierarchical structure of society, shaping how people understood their place in the universe, morality, and the nature of humanity. It is crucial for interpreting literature from this period, especially the iconic soliloquies that reveal characters' inner thoughts and reflect broader cultural themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Elizabethan worldview placed great emphasis on the idea of order and hierarchy, reflected in both society and nature, which was vital to maintaining social stability.
2. Renaissance humanism during this period encouraged individuals to seek knowledge, fostering a spirit of inquiry and personal achievement that contrasted with medieval thought.
3. Religious beliefs played a central role in shaping the Elizabethan worldview, particularly the tension between Catholicism and Protestantism, which influenced literature and drama.
4. Literary works from this time often explore themes of ambition, fate, and morality, highlighting how personal desires can conflict with societal expectations.
5. Soliloquies serve as a window into characters' minds in plays like 'Hamlet,' illustrating their internal struggles within the context of a rigidly structured society.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the Great Chain of Being illustrate the Elizabethan worldview in literature?
  • The Great Chain of Being is a key aspect of the Elizabethan worldview that illustrates the belief in a divinely ordered hierarchy within both society and nature. In literature, characters often grapple with their place within this hierarchy, leading to conflicts between ambition and societal norms. For instance, in 'Macbeth,' Macbeth's desire to rise above his station disrupts the natural order, leading to chaos and tragedy, showcasing how disruptions in this chain have dire consequences.
• In what ways did Renaissance humanism influence the themes present in Elizabethan literature?
  • Renaissance humanism shifted focus toward individual experience and personal achievement, which profoundly influenced Elizabethan literature. Writers began to explore complex characters who faced moral dilemmas, reflecting human emotions and struggles. This shift is evident in soliloquies that reveal characters' inner thoughts and conflicts, as seen in Hamlet's famous 'To be or not to be' speech, highlighting existential questions that resonate with the human condition.
• Evaluate how the tensions between Catholicism and Protestantism during Elizabeth's reign impacted literary expressions in this era.
  • The religious tensions between Catholicism and Protestantism significantly shaped literary expressions during the Elizabethan era. Writers often used their work to comment on or critique prevailing religious views while navigating the risk associated with these themes. Plays like 'Hamlet' reflect these tensions through characters who embody conflicting values influenced by their faith, showcasing how religion permeated all aspects of life, including personal identity and moral choices. This ongoing struggle for spiritual understanding became a rich ground for character development and thematic exploration.

Related terms

Great Chain of Being: A hierarchical structure of all matter and life, believed to be divinely ordained, where every being has a specific place and role in the universe.

Renaissance Humanism: A cultural movement that emphasized the importance of human values and experiences, focusing on classical texts and individual potential.

Divine Right of Kings: The political doctrine that asserted monarchs derive their authority directly from God, justifying their power and rule as divinely sanctioned.