Final answer:
Elizabethan England had pageantry and spectacle in the political world. Elizabethan actors could convey meaning through their acting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The counterclaims and their appropriate rebuttals are as follows:
- a) Elizabethan England was filled with disease. While the Black Death ravaged Europe earlier, the Elizabethan era did see outbreaks of plague, yet it was also a time of advancements in medicine, sparking interest for those fascinated by the history of healthcare.
- b) There was pageantry and spectacle in the political world. Indeed, Elizabethan politics was far from dull, marked by struggles with the Puritans, the beheading of Mary, Queen of Scots, and events like the defeat of the Spanish Armada, providing a vibrant historical tapestry.
- c) Some say Elizabethan politics are dull and uninteresting. This is a misguided view, considering the intense religious and political conflicts, such as the Puritans' demands, which added complexity and intrigue to Elizabethan governance.
- d) Elizabethan actors could convey meaning through their acting. Actors in Elizabethan playhouses were highly skilled, mastering poetic delivery, music and even swordplay, in diverse venues from outdoor theatres to private houses, ensuring that their performances captivated audiences.
- e) Plays were performed in language that is difficult to understand. Although written in Early Modern English, the language of Shakespeare and Marlowe was designed for recital, and the repetitive nature of the plays helped ensure that even with distractions, the groundlings could follow the story.
- f) Someone interested in medicine would find this time to be fascinating. The Elizabethan era saw the beginnings of more empirical approaches to medicine, making it an intriguing study for those interested in the history of medical practices.