Did people in shakespeares time believe kings were as important ordinary men?

During Shakespeare's time, the belief in the divine right of kings was widely accepted. This concept held that kings were chosen by God to rule and were accountable only to Him. As a result, kings were considered to be above the law and were not subject to the same rules and regulations as ordinary people. This belief was reflected in the language used to address kings, which was often highly reverential and included titles such as "Your Majesty" and "Your Grace." Additionally, kings were often depicted in art and literature as being larger-than-life figures, with extraordinary qualities and abilities.

However, it is important to note that not everyone in Shakespeare's time believed in the divine right of kings. There were some who argued that kings were merely human beings and should be subject to the same laws and regulations as everyone else. These individuals were often associated with the Puritan movement, which sought to reform the Church of England and establish a more egalitarian society.

In Shakespeare's plays, we see a range of attitudes towards kings. Some plays, such as "King Lear" and "Richard II," present kings as complex and flawed figures who are ultimately brought down by their own hubris. Other plays, such as "Henry V" and "Julius Caesar," present kings as heroic and virtuous leaders who are worthy of respect and admiration. Ultimately, Shakespeare's plays reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of kingship and the different ways in which it was perceived during his time.