The 17th century witnesses the rise of a new social class in England: the middle class. At this time, mainly merchants and traders belong to this community. They are rich, powerful and educated. In The Merry Wives of Windsor, the two middle class families, namely the Fords and the Pages, form the head of the Windsor community and are its leaders. In order to be able to understand the position of this social class in society, it needs to be seen in comparison with the other residents and visitors of the city.
By choosing Windsor as the setting, Shakespeare links the city of Windsor and its independent middle class with the presence of the monarchy. The proximity to Windsor Castle and the siege of the Order of the Garter bring the aristocracy into the play and introduce the authority of the Crown. Due to Fenton’s and Falstaff’s presence in the play, Windsor’s middle class has to face the social class above them and the problems which exist between the two. However, it is not only the aristocracy which helps the Windsor middle class to define and establish themselves but also the foreigners in the play. Therefore, it is important to consider the interactions of the middle class with Parson Evans or Dr. Caius in order to see how far these foreigners differ from the English and how they help the Fords and the Pages to establish themselves in their society and to reconfirm their national identity as well as their position in society.
The use of the term “middle class”, however, is problematic. Since it includes the term “middle”, the question arises of what “middle” actually means, opposed to whom or what this class is the middle and in which context it has to be seen. Since the word “bourgeoisie” has its ethymological origin in the French language and generally designs an inhabitant of a city or town, this word includes the two families who are relevant to this topic. Therefore, the term “bourgeoisie” will be used synonymously in this paper.
Several attempts have been made to define the term. “As Immanuel Wallerstein explains, critics generally define members of the bourgeoisie either culturally – by their style of life and opportunities for consumption – or economically – by their relations to production and opportunities for investment” . The definition which is most suitable for this paper is the one that the bourgeoisie of Renaissance England is “that feudal middle class which was neither nobility nor peasantry”.

Excerpt

I. Introduction
II. The Depiction of the Middle Class
- II.1. How Does the Middle Class Define Itself?
- II.2. The Moral and Ethics of the Middle Class
- II.3. The Wealth of the Middle Class
- II.4. The Self-Esteem of the Middle Class and their Lack of Respect towards the Aristocracy
- II.5. The Rise of Englishness and National Identity
- II.6. Class Synthesis in the Windsor Community
III. Conclusion

Objectives and Key Themes

This paper examines the depiction of the middle class in Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor, focusing on their self-perception within the social hierarchy of 17th-century England. It analyzes how Shakespeare portrays their wealth, morals, and relationship with both the aristocracy and foreigners. The study aims to understand the middle class's role in shaping English national identity during this period.

The self-definition and social positioning of the middle class.
The moral and ethical values of the middle class compared to the aristocracy.
The economic power and influence of the middle class.
The interaction between the middle class and other social groups (aristocracy and foreigners).
The role of the middle class in the development of English national identity.

Chapter Summaries

I. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context for the study, highlighting the emergence of the middle class in 17th-century England, primarily comprised of merchants and traders. It introduces The Merry Wives of Windsor as a primary text for analyzing this social class, emphasizing the play's setting in Windsor and its proximity to the monarchy. The chapter also discusses the complexities of defining "middle class," contrasting it with the aristocracy and peasantry, and ultimately adopting "bourgeoisie" as a synonymous term for the purpose of the analysis. The introduction sets the stage for a comparative examination of the middle class's interactions with other social strata within the play's context.

II. The Depiction of the Middle Class: This section delves into a multifaceted analysis of the middle class as portrayed in the play. It explores how the middle class defines itself, focusing on their economic standing, newly acquired self-esteem, and developing sense of English national identity. The analysis examines the interactions of the middle class with the aristocracy and foreigners, highlighting the complexities of their relationships and their role in shaping social dynamics. The chapter synthesizes various aspects of the middle class's presentation in the play, from their economic power to their moral and ethical frameworks, providing a comprehensive picture of their social position in Shakespeare's work. Specific examples from the play, such as Page's rejection of Fenton as a suitor for his daughter, are used to illustrate the middle class's awareness of their place in the social hierarchy and their strategic maneuvering within it.

Keywords

Middle class, bourgeoisie, Shakespeare, The Merry Wives of Windsor, aristocracy, national identity, social class, England, 17th century, wealth, morals, ethics, social hierarchy, foreigners.

Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor: A Study of the Middle Class - FAQ

What is the main focus of this academic paper?

This paper examines how Shakespeare portrays the middle class in his play, The Merry Wives of Windsor, specifically focusing on their self-perception within 17th-century England's social hierarchy. It analyzes their wealth, morals, relationships with the aristocracy and foreigners, and their role in shaping English national identity.

What are the key themes explored in the paper?

The key themes include the middle class's self-definition and social positioning; their moral and ethical values compared to the aristocracy; their economic power and influence; their interactions with other social groups (aristocracy and foreigners); and their role in developing English national identity.

What is the structure of the paper?

The paper is structured into three main sections: an introduction, a detailed analysis of the depiction of the middle class in The Merry Wives of Windsor, and a conclusion. The analysis section is further subdivided into subsections exploring different aspects of the middle class's portrayal in the play.

What sources are used in the paper?

The primary source is Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor. The paper uses this play to analyze the depiction of the middle class in 17th-century England.

How does the paper define "middle class"?

The paper acknowledges the complexities of defining "middle class" and uses "bourgeoisie" as a synonymous term for the purpose of its analysis. It contrasts the middle class with both the aristocracy and peasantry, highlighting the economic and social distinctions.

What specific aspects of the middle class are analyzed?

The analysis explores the middle class's economic standing, self-esteem, developing sense of English national identity, and their interactions with the aristocracy and foreigners. Specific examples from the play are used to illustrate their social maneuvering and awareness of their position within the social hierarchy.

What is the significance of the play's setting?

The play's setting in Windsor, close to the monarchy, is significant as it provides context for understanding the middle class's interactions with the aristocracy and their place within the broader social and political landscape of 17th-century England.

What are the key takeaways from the paper?

The paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the middle class's role in shaping English national identity during the 17th century, as depicted in Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor. It reveals their complex social dynamics and their developing sense of self-worth within the existing social hierarchy.

What are the keywords associated with this paper?