The Golden Age

Question 1

Why was Shakespeare distinctly appealing?

Answer 1

He could appeal to both the educated elite and to the ‘groundlings’ who attended performances in larger numbers
His language in plays was used in every day conversations

Question 2

Importance of Art?

Answer 2

Formal portraiture remained important with the Queen a regular sitter as were courtiers e.g. especially the Earl of Leicester

Question 3

Why did Portraiture lack in Elizabeth’s remained?

Answer 3

No one could match the skill set of Holbein who was present in Henry VIII reign

Question 4

Most important culture of art?

Answer 4

Miniature- focus on small in paintings
Elizabeth had her own collection e.g. that could be stored in lockets such as art to remind her of her success in the Armada

Question 5

Famous names from miniature art?

Answer 5

Nicholas Hilliard and Issac Oliver

Question 6

Benefits Hilliard received?

Answer 6

Enjoyed much favour at Court- redesigned the royal seal

Question 7

Golden age of architecture?

Answer 7

Although the Queen was reluctant to commission new buildings her courtiers were often able to afford extravagant building projects because of the family acquisition of monastic lands at knock down prices

Question 8

First named English Architect?

Answer 8

Robert Smythson - worked on Longleat in Wiltshire and Wollaton Hall in Nottinghamshire

Question 9

Increase in literacy?

Answer 9

More educational opportunities- emergence of highly literate and sophisticated viewing and reading public

Question 10

Significant dramatists?

Answer 10

Thomas Kyd and Christopher Marlowe

Question 11

Significance of plays in London?

Answer 11

Increasing sophistication and infrastructure for the production of plays

Question 12

Lord Chamberlain’s men?

Answer 12

Group of actors that operated under the patronage of courtiers- Shakespeare was a member

Question 13

Aim for Shakespeare?

Answer 13

To produce plays on a regular basis and appeal to all audiences from all social classes

Question 14

Most significant play of Shakespeare?

Answer 14

Richard II- received sponsoring at Globe Theatre by Earl of Essex- it was about the usurpation of a king in 1399
Elizabeth was alleged to have remarked ‘I am Richard’

Question 15

Foxes Book of Martyrs?

Answer 15

Wide reading among Puritans

Question 16

2 most influential writers?

Answer 16

Sir Philip Sidney- conscious moderator of English language through classical forms- responsible for revival of poetry
Edmund Spenser- argued that his work was highly was critical of court

Question 17

Elizabeth’s role in music?

Answer 17

Skilful musician
Saved the importance of music culture within English Cathedrals and Oxbridge colleges when Puritans believed the word of God was more important than the beauty of holiness

Question 18

2 greatest music composers?

Answer 18

Thomas Tallis and William Byrd- both wrote extensively for COE
Byrd skill as musician ensured his safety as he was a Catholic sympathiser

Question 19

What type of music flourished at court?

Answer 19

Secular music

Question 20

What did Renaissance convention say about music?

Answer 20

That courtier should be skilled musicians

Question 21

Madrigal development?

Answer 21

Song that could be sung by a small mixed voice choir
Composers= Morley and Weelkes
Non political

Question 22

Importance of Madrigals in 1601?

Answer 22

Morley put together 25 madrigals by 23 different composers to honour the Queen
Music was a way to support the Queen when her reputation was slipping

Question 23

Who provided more intimate music?

Answer 23

John Dowland

Question 24

What was a broadside ballad?

Answer 24

Songs printed cheaply on a single piece of paper - popular- were extremely bawdy

Question 25

Requirements for Elizabethan gentleman?

Answer 25

Had to be able to speak and write proper English- French, Latin and Greek were also desirable
Education was vital- likely to have attended a grammar school
Decrees needed in maths and geometry for example