Final answer:
Zekle and Huldy from the poem 'The Courtin'' by James Russell Lowell lived in a rural society, characterized by a country lifestyle and agricultural economy, as supported by historical context and the poem's setting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The society in which Zekle and Huldy from the poem 'The Courtin'' by James Russell Lowell lived was rural. In the context of the poem, the setting reflects a country lifestyle, which is supported by descriptions of farm life, rustic manners, and implied simplicity in the characters' lives.
This can also be contrasted with urban societies that often have a high concentration of industries, services, and population density. In historical terms, many societies after the fall of the Roman Empire transitioned into rural living as cities shrank and the public buildings were repurposed, a shift similar to that reflected in the backdrop of 'The Courtin''.
Throughout history, rural environments have played a significant role in shaping communities. For example, during the Neolithic period, settlements like Çatalhöyük and Jericho depended on agricultural production, indicating a rural setting. In the Middle Ages, up to 90 percent of the European population lived in rural areas under a system known as manorialism.
This aligns with archaeological and historical findings, suggesting that for the majority of human civilization, especially prior to the advent of industrialization, rural societies were predominant, with agriculture as a central aspect of life and economy.