Answer:
The social hierarchy in Elizabethan England was characterized by a rigid class system that determined a person's status and opportunities based on their birth, wealth, and occupation. Two features of the social hierarchy in Elizabethan England were:
- The importance of birth and family: In Elizabethan England, a person's status and opportunities were largely determined by their birth and family background. At the top of the social hierarchy were the nobility, who held titles such as duke, earl, or viscount, and who were often related to the queen or king. Below the nobility were the gentry, who were wealthy landowners with titles such as knight or esquire. Below the gentry were the commoners, who made up the vast majority of the population and were further divided into skilled artisans, laborers, and the urban poor. Birth and family connections were crucial in determining a person's social mobility and opportunities, as they often determined access to education, careers, and political power.
- The importance of patronage: Another key feature of the social hierarchy in Elizabethan England was the importance of patronage, which referred to the system of social and political alliances based on mutual support and favoritism. Patronage was particularly important for those seeking to advance their careers or social status, as it relied on the support and favor of those in positions of power. In the arts, for example, aspiring playwrights and actors often relied on the patronage of wealthy nobles or royalty to fund their work and gain access to influential audiences. Similarly, in politics, the support of influential patrons was often crucial in securing appointments or advancing one's career. Patronage often reinforced existing social hierarchies, as those in positions of power tended to favor those from similar backgrounds or with similar interests, further entrenching social inequality.