How did the commoners during shakespearean times understand his work?

William Shakespeare's work was initially enjoyed and appreciated primarily by the educated elite during his time, including the upper classes and the intellectual circles of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. They were well-versed in classical literature, poetry, and the cultural context of the period. Shakespeare's language, literary devices, and allusions to classical mythology and history would have resonated with them, enriching their understanding and enjoyment of his plays.

Here's how the commoners, or the general public, likely experienced Shakespeare's work during his time:

1. Limited Access: Shakespeare's plays were primarily performed in theaters like The Globe, which were accessible mainly to the upper classes and those who could afford the entrance fee. The commoners had fewer opportunities to attend these theatrical productions.

2. Folk Traditions and Oral Transmission: Shakespeare's work did reach the commoners through folk traditions, storytelling, and oral transmission. It is believed that stories, fragments of dialogues, and popular phrases from his plays would have been shared orally, especially in taverns and public gatherings.

3. Influence on Popular Culture: Some aspects of Shakespeare's plays, such as memorable lines, characters, or comedic elements, may have permeated popular culture and become known through word of mouth, even among the commoners.

4. Street Performances and Adaptations: Traveling theater troupes, acting companies, and performers might have adapted scenes or versions of Shakespeare's plays to suit the tastes and understanding of the common folk, bringing elements of his work to rural areas or lower-class neighborhoods.

5. Influence on Ballads and Chapbooks: Shakespeare's plays inspired ballads, chapbooks, and other popular literary forms that were more accessible to the commoners. These simplified versions could have spread his stories to a broader audience.

6. Re-Imagination and Interpretation: The commoners' understanding and interpretation of Shakespeare's work would likely have been influenced by their own life experiences, cultural backgrounds, and oral traditions. They may have related to themes of love, loss, power struggles, and social injustices in their own ways.

It's worth noting that Shakespeare's plays became more widely accessible to the general public in subsequent centuries, particularly during the Romantic era, when his works were celebrated and popularized beyond the elite circles.