Shakespeare's Social Ambitions

This chapter examines Shakespeare's quest for social elevation through the purchase of a coat of arms, reflecting on the societal expectations of the late 16th century. It contrasts artists' perceived indifference to social standing with Shakespeare's personal ambition and the complexities of class distinctions in Elizabethan England. Through analysis of his plays and personal anecdotes, the chapter explores themes of ambition, social mobility, and the implications of being recognized as a gentleman in a rigidly structured society.