A Midsummer Night’s DreamThe Artisans

Hmmm…what do these people think

about us?

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)

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.

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

Remember???

Shakespeare’s father himself was an

apprentice glover and tanner of leather

“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)

“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

The chance to earn…

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

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