William Shakespeare’s plays were very much similar to every day life throughout England. He tried to speak to all the classes that existed at that period of time.

The most common trait of the citizens of this time was illiteracy, meaning that most did not read. This is why Shakespeare wrote plays so the people he lived with could be entertained. Most were of the peasant class in their society. These people were poor, uneducated types that did not spend time in the arts or at universities. Most citizens lived simple lives, with modest salaries. The peasants wore very modest clothing, as they did not have money or time to waste with expensive clothing. Citizens had to support their leaders and rulers fully because it was tradition to follow their orders. Most of the people from this time had low kill jobs, which was indicative of their lack of education and societal class in life.

William Shakespeare wrote Hamlet in the 1600’s during a rapidly changing time. In 1601, Essex rebellion against Elizabeth occurred, however he failed and was executed. Hugh O'Neill led the Irish chieftains in an unsuccessful attack against the English. Also, Thomas Nashe finally died. James I, was declared King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, following the death of Elizabeth I. Later during this period James VI of Scotland became James I of England. In 1603, Sir Walter Raleigh was arrested and imprisoned. Prince Henry created Prince of Wales and shortly after died. In 1909, Galileo presented an eight-powered telescope to the Venetian Senate. The Colony of Virginia was founded at Jamestown, which is the first permanent English settlement in America. In 1619, it was the start of the Thirty Years' War, which was when Protestants revolted against Catholic oppression. These are some of the most well known events that occurred during this time William Shakespeare wrote Hamlet.