Shakespeare’s stages would look very bare to a modern audience that is used to elaborate scenery, sophisticated lighting and a multitude of props. It was up to the actors of the time to create the setting and the mood by using language and action. Costumes were the only exception to an otherwise blank canvas and they could be very colourful and well made. Clothing was an important way of defining status and wealth.
Visiting the theatre was popular among people from all walks of life. The poorest stood near the stage and paid a small amount to attend the performance. Such people generally lacked education, so imagery and symbolism would have played an important role in helping them to understand and relate to difficult or abstract ideas.
When you are studying imagery and symbolism, consider the following checklist: ✓✓
✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓
Does the imagery or symbolism create atmosphere?
Do recurring images or symbols help us to establish or reinforce themes in the play? Does the imagery or symbolism help us to come to an understanding of certain characters?
Does the imagery or symbolism help to bring a scene to life for us and/or make it more dramatic?
