Language: Shakespeare used different levels of language to distinguish between the educated nobility and lower class. The nobility spoke in a more formal, elevated manner, while the lower class used more informal, colloquial language. This difference in language reflected the different social status of the two groups.
Themes: Shakespeare often explored the themes of class conflict and social hierarchy in his plays. He showed how the lower class was often oppressed and exploited by the nobility. This theme is particularly evident in plays such as "King Lear" and "Hamlet."
Characterization: Shakespeare created distinct character types to represent the educated nobility and lower class. The nobility was often portrayed as being intelligent, sophisticated, and well-mannered. The lower class, on the other hand, was often portrayed as being ignorant, crude, and superstitious. This difference in characterization reinforced the social divide between the two groups.
In conclusion, Shakespeare used a combination of language, themes, and characterization to create a distinction between the educated nobility and lower class in his plays. This distinction reflected the social hierarchy of Elizabethan England, and it helped to shape the way that audiences perceived the different social classes.