He exemplifies the expansion of the middle class and commercialism during the era. The book is a kind of inventive biography -- little is known for certain of Shakespeare's life but Greenblatt uses the skeleton of Shakespeare's plays to fill in details of common concerns of many figures of the period. Long, William J. "The Elizabethan Age: 1550 -- 1620." From Outlines of English and American

Literature. April 4, 2009. http://www.djmcadam.com/elizabethan-age.html

This is an excerpt from a survey book on literature that is well-reputed in the field, although somewhat out of date. It examines the philosophy and history of the Elizabethan age and how it affected the literature of the period. It suggests the patriotic zeal and cultural vigor that resulted from the defeat of the Armada, scientific discoveries, and foreign travel and exploration were the reasons for the substantial literary output of this period's authors. It covers Spencer, Shakespeare, Bacon and other authors and their creative use of language. It also examines how the classical emphasis on the 'unities' and principles of drama (such as a drama must take place in real time, that comedy and tragedy should not be intermixed) were challenged by the plays of Shakespeare and Marlowe's innovative use of language and staging.

Russell, Kara Molway. "Ken Jackson. Separate Theaters: Bethlem Hospital and the Shakespearean Stage." Comparative Drama. FindArticles.com. April 5, 2009.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb060/is_1_40/ai_n29308135/

During Elizabethan times,...

Russell's review is of a book devoted to an analysis of this cultural practice. She suggests that Jackson's study of Bethlem Hospital and Bedlam dramas has a provocative thesis: that allowing spectators to do so was a perverse act of charity and public education. After all, the places were run on "charitable donations, and if visitors to the hospital were confused, disgusted, or amused by what they saw, such feelings did not eclipse their charitable acts" (Russell 1). Russell also examines how staged and real madness was a 'performed' act and viewed in theatrical terms by the Elizabethans, as seen in the works of Middleton, Dekker, and of course Shakespeare. Dramatic depictions of madness were influenced by the Bedlam viewers, and also these dramas affected the way real madness was perceived.
Shakespeare, William. "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar." From the Language of Literature.

Edited by Arthur N. Applebee. New York: McDougall Littell, 2006.

"Julius Caesar" is one of Shakespeare's 'Roman plays.' It reflects the Elizabethan reverence of the classical age. However, it also reveals anxieties over succession and usurpation of royal authority. It exemplifies the Elizabethan fascination with the supernatural's influence upon world events. And the contrast between Brutus' nobility and the political fallout from his assassination -- or political naivete in the face of Mark Anthony -- highlights Shakespeare's ambiguous characterization.