Definition: Elizabethan literature refers to the English literature produced between 1580 and 1623, a period marked by major cultural changes including religious and political upheaval, economic crisis, social unrest, and technological advancements. The term "Elizabethan" is derived from the English words "Elizabeth," which means "bright," and "Austen," which means "beautiful." The Elizabethan era was characterized by the dominance of Elizabethan literature as it emerged during this time. This genre often includes works such as plays, poems, novels, and other literary forms. In Elizabethan literature, characters are typically portrayed in a romantic or idealized manner, with themes of love, politics, and societal norms. The Elizabethan era was also marked by the development of new genres such as farce (a form of comedy), satire, and psychological thrillers. The Elizabethan era was also characterized by the use of English poetry that was influenced by classical mythology and classical music. It is often associated with the romantic period known as the Age of Enlightenment in Europe. The Elizabethan period is notable for its intellectual and cultural shifts, which were reflected in literature and other forms of art, such as painting, sculpture, and architecture. The Elizabethan era also saw significant changes in the structure of the English monarchy, which was marked by a system of patronage that favored wealthy families over common people. Overall, "Elizabethan" refers to the literary period from 1580-1623 when literature produced during this time flourished and became more romanticized. This era was characterized by themes of love, politics, and societal norms, and it is often associated with the Age of Enlightenment in Europe.

Elizabethan