Daily Life of Women in Shakespeare’s England

Gr 9 Up–A fascinating inside examination of the day-to-day lives of women from Elizabethan and Jacobean England. Kemp explores the social and cultural issues that impacted women across class, region, and religion during the time Shakespeare was most active. As in other entries of “Daily Life Through History” series, this volume uses recent archival scholarship to present a more nuanced and feminist interpretation of history. This volume offers a glimpse into women’s challenges, roles, and contributions in this evolving society. Despite the constraints imposed by society, many English women found ways to assert agency. They were active in religious movements, such as the Quakers, which provided opportunities for leadership and public speaking. Some women wrote literature and engaged in political discussions. Others navigated the English law courts to maintain their rights against abuse and even enslavement. Many also challenged traditional gender roles by cross-dressing or taking on traditionally male roles during times of war. The text is divided into seven topics, including “Domestic,” “Economic,” “Political,” “Religious Lives.” The narrative emphasizes primary sources, such as diary entries, court documents, and even the script of a play to prove the different roles women held during this time. Reproductions, diagrams, and photos appear sporadically throughout to add interest and as further evidence. The front matter features a glossary and time line; the back matter features a bibliography and an index.