“To the poor in body and mind superstition is a treasured element in the poetry of life, gilding dull days with exciting marvels and redeeming misery with magic powers and mystic hopes”(Durant 162). Superstition was more than just a concept to the poor; it fueled their daily lives with excitement and gave them hope even in their darkest days. Many lives were affected by superstition in the Elizabethan Era, not only the poor peasants in the cities but even the highest of royalty. In the Elizabethan Era, the poor were in such despair that they would believe almost anything to give them hope. With this, many different superstitions were beginning to emerge into existence. One of the most popular daily beliefs was that it was believed that …show more content…
An example of this was for the Bubonic Plague, people were treated by lancing the buboes and applying a warm poultice of butter, onion, and garlic. Tobacco, arsenic, lily root, and dried tomato were also tried as medicines (Siteseen Ltd.). Some more common illnesses like head pains, were treated with sweet-smelling herbs like roses and lavenders to calm the pain (Siteseen Ltd.). Stomach pains were treated with mint and wormwood (Siteseen Ltd.). Lung problems were treated with liquorice and comfrey (Siteseen Ltd.). Also to clean wounds, vinegar was used because it was believed to kill the diseases (Siteseen Ltd.). For the treatment of common illnesses in the Elizabethan Era, people would use everyday items because almost everyone could afford it and it was easy to obtain. One of the most impractical treatments was in 1777; a doctor assigned the elector of Bavaria to swallow a small picture of Virgin Mary to get rid of his smallpox (Partworks). Even the top classmen were treated with ridiculous remedies because they believed what the doctors said, but even they didn't have great knowledge over sicknesses at the time. With the introduction to superstition, and it becoming so popular with everyone in the cities, people started creating reasons for why such devastating events were
Many people do not realize how fortunate they are to have the medical advances and medical technology we easily have the right to use. People from many years ago did not have specialized doctors and medicine to cure their diseases that we easily have access to today. (Ramsey) Many civilizations used what they thought to be alleviating processes, but medical experts today know now were pointless and dangerous. Among these people were the Elizabethans.
With so many people were dying already from the disease grief was high. Medication at the time was no wear near what it is in present times. The health statue of Europe was falling and the large masses of people who were dying began to raise horror in people. To correspond with that many people had little to no knowledge of cleanliness and how it can affect heath.
Some believed the plague was caused by miasmas (bad air) or poisonous vapors associated with decomposition and foul air. Some people resorted to burning incense or other herbs because they believed that the overpowering smell of the dead victims was the source of the disease. Public officials took measures to contain the disease through quarantine by walling up homes that had members with disease. This action had limited success, but still prevented the disease more than in other areas which did not enforce this type of
Shakespearean clothing fits in the Elizabethan category. The Elizabethan Era is also known as the Golden Age due to the European’s growth in power. Elizabethan Era clothing was very fancy, complex, and colorful. Huge, puffy dresses and frilly collars come to mind when thinking about this era’s style. The people considered fashion very important.
The way the people in Elizabethan Era ate in the years of 1550-1600. The kinds of food eaten depended very much on wealth and status. Poor people, in general, had humble and unvaried diets, whereas the rich of Elizabethan England ate well. The upper class people of the Elizabethan Era ate many spicy and sweet foods consisting of expensive spices and ingredients. Poor people could not afford much red meat, like beef or pork, so tended to eat white meat, like chicken, rabbit or hare, and birds they could catch like blackbirds or pigeons.
“superstition, belief, half-belief, or practice for which there appears to be no rational substance.” (Britanica) The Elizabethan Era superstitions effected views on black cats, knocking on wood, and throwing salt over the shoulder. Elizabethan Era Superstitions started with witchcraft and fear of the unknown, anything that happened unexplainably was blamed on witches and witchcraft. Those accused were usually the occasional men though often women were thought to be old, poor, and unprotected single women.
During the Elizabethan era, knights were claimed to be the very best and served the Queen. The knights were a particular class during the era. They were known for their valor and courage during battles. Sometimes even the second sons of earls and lords result to becoming celebrated knights, as seen in some of Shakespeare’ plays, such as “Henry IV”. Knights were used to accomplish conspiracies and schemes traveling to distant countries and foreign lands for battles.
Did you know that for stealing a purse you could have your limbs torn off?During the Elizabethan period, there would be crimes committed followed by punishments. These crimes are most not like the crimes today. Some include stole purses, begging, and poaching. Now you're probably wondering, what such crimes must those be? Money wasn't much easy to get back then so people tried to steal and be able to feed their families.
In order to accurately discuss both superstition, science, religion and culture in Macbeth, one needs to understand each aspect of the question. To begin with it is also necessary to understand the differences of the time and the fact that it is a fictional work of art. During Elizabethan times people believed that a lot of science was in fact witchcraft or some form of magic/mythology. This is expressed in the people of that time’s culture.
During the Elizabethan times, superstitions and folk tales were very popular and were spread all throughout England, and impacted almost everything. Life, sickness, and many beliefs were affected by superstitions that branched from other ideas. For example, astrology and medicine helped construct many of these beliefs. In some ways the church also had an impact because church affected how the common people reacted to these ideas. A religious church man would talk down upon superstitions opposed to an individual who is open minded to the ideas.
1. How is the purpose of urban legends of today the same as that of folktales that have been passed down for generations?the way that these urban legends can in some ways serve a similar purpose is that it has always keeped people aware of what's around them. The fact that people have scene or even talked about things that may seem unreal, well that idea even to the non believers, would still be aware. 2. Explain how superstitions help humans deal with the fact that so many things in life are outside of their control.
The East Anglia witch hunt was a turning point for English witchcraft. Witchcraft hysteria lessen as the seventeenth-century continued. After the end of the civil wars, Oliver Cromwell became the Lord Protector of England. Cromwell was not a believer in witchcraft, he tried to repress it in England.
Macbeth is one of the tragedy plays written by William Shakespeare. It is about the tragedy of greed, ambition, and wish of power. Macbeth is a complex play and filled with symbols that progress the plot and theme. Symbolical motifs play an important role in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth throughout the play. Shakespeare uses symbolisms so that the reader may gain a deeper understanding and aware of this tragedy.
Theatre has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations, and it has evolved into a complex art form that encompasses various disciplines. Along with the artistry and technical aspects of theatre, superstitions have also played a significant role in theatrical productions. Theatre superstitions are beliefs or practices that actors, directors, and crew members follow to avoid bad luck or ensure a successful performance. They often include rituals or sayings that are believed to bring luck or ward off evil spirits. These superstitions have been passed down through generations and are deeply ingrained in theatre culture.
People who were skilled in herbalism used to make revolting potions that were sometimes made with fecal matter and urine to cure different types of sicknesses. An assumption that dog droppings was the cure for blindness. They would grind the dry droppings into powder and rub the powder inside of the blind eye. Medicine did not improve since previous periods. Hippocrates was separated into four different fluids yellow bile, blood, black bile, and phlegm.