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A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Artisans
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Hmmm…what do these people think
about us?
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Four categories of English subjects in Elizabethan society*
1. Gentlemen2. Citizens/burgesses – townspeople
employed in a trade3. Yeomen – farmers in small
landholdings4. Craftsmen/artisans – along with
laborers* As defined by William Harrison in his
Description of England (1560s)
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Artisan means... From French: artisan, Italian: artigiano Craftsman (craftsperson) is a skilled manual
worker who makes items that may be functional or strictly decorative, including furniture, sculpture, clothing, jewellery, household items and tools or even machines such as the handmade devices of a watchmaker.
Artisans practice a craft and may through experience and aptitude reach the expressive levels of an artist.
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Social status The term "artisan" was applied to those who made
things or provided services It did not apply to unskilled labourers. Artisans were
divided into two distinct groups: those who operated their own businesses and those who did not
Those who owned their businesses were called masters, while the latter were the journeymen and apprentices
One misunderstanding many people have about this social group is that they picture them as "workers" in the modern sense: employed by someone
The most influential group among the artisans were the masters, the business owners. The owners enjoyed a higher social status in their communities
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Remember???
Shakespeare’s father himself was an
apprentice glover and tanner of leather
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“The Middling Sort” Most were apprenticed for 7 years to
train for specific skill Neither wealthy nor desperately poor Some trades generated more income
than the other Tailor being the most unlikely to
generate a lot and Shakespeare suggested this in the name, Starveling, the tailor (skinny and pale)
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“Rude Mechanicals” Not expected to be refined but have at
least basic grammar school education Due to this basic level of education, some
might not read very well – “slow of study” as seen in the play when one is given script with no dialogue, just “roaring”
Still among the lowest level in social hierarchy and has little say in government affair
Clear distinction between court characters
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The chance to earn…
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Real life artisans The 1590’s when Shakespeare was
actively busy writing plays, economic hardship caused violent uprisings both in London and rural areas
There 12 riots in 1595 alone and leaders of these are artisans
Growing population = less jobs = less wage = high taxes
Bad harvest from 1594-1597 also caused shortage in food supply
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Shakespeare’s Artisans Do not appear to be a restive,
aggressive sort With good intention, always try not
offend others/courtly audience Do not want to create any potential
social tension Shakespeare’s play shows a ‘kinder’
face of the society through the artisans’ good intentions – “roaring lion” might scare the ladies