Final answer:
Elizabethan etiquette heavily influenced social standing and personal reputation, with everyday behavior and adherence to societal expectations being critical for maintaining one's position within the social hierarchy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elizabethan etiquette refers to the conduct and customs observed during the Elizabethan era, a period significant for its strict social hierarchy and elaborate codes of behavior. We can infer that these etiquettes were deeply entwined with everyday life and status within society. Etiquette governed various aspects, from the way one presented themselves through dress and manners to their participation in the arts and written communication, as suggested by references to personal style affecting one's expression and reputation.
The description of events and behavior from different sources like Shakespeare's plays, beyond providing entertainment, also offer insight into social norms and expectations during that time. For example, the correct choice of paper for correspondence could significantly affect social standing, illustrating the importance of appropriate behavior and conformity to societal expectations. This level of detail in everyday life highlights the importance that Elizabethan society placed on maintaining one's standing through proper conduct, implying also a society where judgment and perception by others played a vital role in one's social life.
Furthermore, primary sources such as treatises advising women on behavior underscore the emphasis on social etiquette as a way to protect both individual and familial reputation. This reinforces the idea that during the Elizabethan period, adherence to etiquette was not just about personal refinement but a necessary means for safeguarding social position.