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How were the audience divided and arranged in Globe Theatre?

The audience in the Globe Theatre during Shakespeare's time was divided and arranged in a distinct manner, reflecting the social hierarchy of the Elizabethan era. The theatre was composed of three main sections: the pit (yard), the galleries, and the stage.

1. The Pit (Yard):

- This area was the most affordable and was open to the general public, including the commoners and groundlings.

- The groundlings stood or sat on the ground in front of the stage, close to the action but exposed to the elements.

2. The Galleries:

- The galleries consisted of multiple levels of covered seating located above the pit.

- The lower galleries were occupied by wealthier citizens, merchants, and professionals.

- The upper galleries were known as "the gods" and were reserved for the lowest social classes.

3. The Stage:

- The stage was an open platform that extended into the pit, creating an intimate setting between the actors and the audience.

- The stage itself was divided into two areas: the main stage and the inner stage or "inner house."

Arrangement:

- The Globe Theatre could accommodate up to 3,000 spectators, with the capacity varying depending on the social status and wealth of the audience members.

- The highest-ranking members of society, such as royalty, noblemen, and wealthy patrons, were often seated in the first or second gallery, closest to the stage.

- The middle-class audiences occupied the upper galleries.

- The lowest-ranking members of society, including apprentices and laborers, made up the majority of the groundlings.

Overall, the division and arrangement of the audience in the Globe Theatre showcased the social hierarchy and class distinctions prevalent in Elizabethan society, with clear separations between different social groups.

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