The Reign of Queen Elizabeth I

England prospered in the second half of Elizabeth's reign, and many of the great works of English literature were produced during these years like art, poetry and drama. Learning in general flourished as the confidence and nationalism Elizabeth inspired spilled from the economic sector to cultural achievements. Elizabeth's reign saw playwrights like Christopher Marlowe, poets like Edmund Spenser, and men of science and letters like Francis Bacon. The era also saw the beginning of William Shakespeare's work. Many of the writers, thinkers and artists of the day enjoyed the patronage of members of Elizabeth's court, and their works often involved or referred to the great Queen. She was the symbol of the day.

The "Elizabethan Age," was considered one of the golden ages in English literature. These cultural achievements did not just happen to be created while Elizabeth was on the throne but instead, Elizabeth's specific actions like her image, and the court atmosphere she nurtured significantly influenced great works of literature.