Final answer:
Surviving to adulthood during the Renaissance was unlikely due mainly to high infant mortality rates, poor sanitation, and lack of medical knowledge, all of which were exacerbated by inadequate nutrition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Surviving to adulthood during the Renaissance was unlikely due to a combination of factors, including high infant mortality rates, poor sanitation, lack of medical knowledge, and issues with nutrition. High infant mortality rates meant many children did not live beyond early childhood. Poor sanitation contributed to the spread of diseases, which were often fatal due to the lack of medical knowledge at the time. Additionally, inadequate nutrition due to famine or malnutrition exacerbated health issues, making it difficult for children to thrive and survive to adulthood.
The homes during the Renaissance, including the Shakespeare household, faced these challenges, making it a harsh environment for children. Dangerous living conditions, such as crowded and poorly constructed housing and inadequate clean water supply, increased the risk of fires, spread of illness, and chronic health conditions, which further decreased the likelihood of surviving to adulthood.