ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -When Shakespeare was born in 1564, Elizabeth had been Queen of England for just 5 years. While most of his plays were written after her death, we do know she saw a few of Shakespeare’s plays and that he performed at Court.

Detailed explanation-2: -So, did Shakespeare and Elizabeth meet? The answer is: probably. “It seems very likely that when the actors played at court they would have been introduced to their host, ” Professor Sir Stanley Wells told Let’s Talk Shakespeare.

Detailed explanation-3: -Elizabeth I-daughter of Henry VIII and his second wife Anne Boleyn-ruled England for forty-five years from 1558 to 1603 in a time of relative prosperity and peace.

Detailed explanation-4: -Elizabeth I reigned for 45 years, from 1558 to 1603. Shakespeare, born in 1564, spent the majority of his life under her rule. The influence of the Queen, and the way in which she portrayed herself, was pervasive, and can be seen in many of Shakespeare’s plays, including The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Detailed explanation-5: -One of the biggest history “facts” circulated about William Shakespeare was that Queen Elizabeth I was his patron. While very supportive of the arts, theater, and Shakespeare in particular, you may be surprised to learn that Elizabeth I was, in actual historical fact, NOT Shakespeare’s patron.