THE ENGLISH

RENAISSANCEThe Elizabethan Age

THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCE

Edward VI, Mary I, and then Elizabeth I

Starts almost a century after the Italians

The Height

During Elizabeth I’s reign

The Elizabethan Age

Focus

Theatre and Writing!

William Shakespeare

Printing press advances

IF YOU WERE QUEEN ELIZABETH…

Which of these two portraits would you want people to see?

COLD WAR WITH SPAIN

What is a “Cold War?”

Problems with Spain Phillip II’s marriage to Mary

Elizabeth’s refusal of marriage to Phillip

Catholic vs. Protestant

Pirates! Raiding of Spanish and English

ships Trade/Race to the New World

GOD’S NEW CHOSEN PEOPLE

The Spanish Armada VIDEO

Elizabeth’s speech at Tilsbury

Failed Spanish attack and invasion of England

Strengthening of Protestants Not a victory over the Spanish,

but a victory over the Catholics

God was behind the Protestant cause

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE

RENAISSANCE

In the 16th century it was believed that everything was made up of four elements: earth, air, fire and water.

The dinner of a wealthy man included 15-20 dishes.

People were shorter and smaller in the 16th century; the average man was 5’3” tall and weighed 135 lbs.•

Most people only owned the clothes they were wearing.

People in the 16th century had horrible table manners. Guests were often reminded to blow their nose with the hand they used for their knife, not with the one they ate with.

Half of the people in Europe died before reaching 30 years of age, most from disease.

Streets in the towns were often as narrow as a man’s shoulders.

The fork was a new addition to the dinner table during the Renaissance.

CUSTOMS OF THE RENAISSANCE

Men Greeting Men Grasp each other’s right wrist and give a firm shake. Then pat each other on the

back with their left hands.

Left-handedness

Women Greeting Women The “French Kiss”

Never touch the cheeks – we don’t want to spread plague and disease!

Men Greeting Women and Women Greeting Men Men would bow to the ladies, presenting left leg forward and right leg behind

Bend his back leg, bend at the hips, keep head raised, and maintain eye contact

Women would curtsey – right leg behind her, bend at the knees, keeping body straight, and maintain eye contact

Improper to show ankles or legs

Dashing or romantically inclined men, proceed to kiss the lady’s hand, maintaining eye contact

CUSTOMS OF THE RENAISSANCE

Making a Leg Men’s calves! Show them off!

Men would wear stocking and short pants

Present their leg forward, turning the foot outward to show off their calf

If they were really proud, put foot on a chair or rock to make it more prominent

Escorting Men would escort ladies whenever they were out in public

NEVER hold hands palm to palm

Woman either places just a finger on the man’s hand, or rest her entire hand on his

Women must always be on the right side as well!

LANGUAGE OF THE RENAISSANCE

Title or Social Standing Your Majesty or Your Highness (King or Queen), Your Grace (Members of the

Royal Court) •M’lord or M’lady (respectful) •Sir or Mada, Gentleman or Gentlewoman, Cousin (Equal birth or social

standing) Wench (Common or lower-class woman) Knave (Common or lower-class man)

Hellos’ and Good-bye’s Good Marrow (Good morning) Good day (Afternoon greeting or parting) Good eve or eventide (Good evening) God ye good den (God grant you a good day) I bid you adieu (Good-bye) By your leave (With your permission) Fare thee well (Good-bye – wishing them well)

LANGUAGE OF THE RENAISSANCE

Compliments

Thou are most beauteous this day (You look pretty today)

Thy voice is sweeter than that of an angel (Your voice is beautiful)

By my troth, mine eyes are blessed by your very visage (In, truth, your face is a blessing)

Thy beauty eclipses the sun (You’re dazzling beautiful)

Insults

Thou are lily-livered (Calling someone a coward)

Thou slop-jar of ineptitude (A slop jar is similar to a chamber pot. People also spit or threw garbage in it.)

LANGUAGE OF THE RENAISSANCE

Common Sayings Dost thou knowest the time? (Do you know the time?)

Let us go thither. (Let’s go there)

Come hither. (Come here)

’Tis most splendid! (Alright! Cool!)

Yea, methinks so (Yes, I think so)

How fare thee? (How are you?)

Other Helpful Words Privies (Bathrooms)

Knotty-pated (Thick headed, stupid)

Buffoon (Fool)

HUZZAH! (Hurrah)

Prithee (Please)