The Significance of Corn in Shakespeare's Life

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Meaning of "Corn" in Shakespeare's Time
3. The Introduction of Maize to Europe
4. The Struggle to Describe the New Grain
5. The Corn Famine of 1608
6. Hoarding and Rising Prices
7. Food Riots in England
8. Shakespeare's Depiction of the Food Riots
9. The Importance of Corn in Shakespeare's Life
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the fascinating topic of corn during William Shakespeare's lifetime. We will delve into the various meanings of the word "corn" in the 16th century and uncover the introduction of maize to Europe. Additionally, we will discuss the corn famine of 1608, the resulting food riots, and examine how Shakespeare depicted these events in his play Coriolanus. Through this exploration, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of corn in Shakespeare's life and the impact it had on society during that time.

The Meaning of "Corn" in Shakespeare's Time

During the 16th century, the word "corn" had a broader meaning than it does today. It applied to any plant that produced a seed capable of being harvested and used for baking and food consumption. This included various grains such as wheat, barley, and oats, as well as the popular beverage in England at the time, ale. The word "corn" was used interchangeably with other terms to describe these different grain crops throughout Europe. However, when reading Shakespeare's play Coriolanus, which was written in 1608 during the corn famine, it raises the question of what kind of plant "corn" refers to in that particular context.

The Introduction of Maize to Europe

Corn, as we know it today, is believed to have been first introduced to Europe in the 15th century after Christopher Columbus discovered it in what is now the United States. However, European colonists did have seed-bearing plants resembling corn, such as wheat, barley, and oats. They did not have "maize," the term used by Native Americans to describe this new grain. As a result, the colonists used familiar words like "corn" and "turkey wheat" to understand and describe this unfamiliar crop. The term "turkey wheat" was used because both the grain and a bird introduced from the Ottoman Empire, also known as Turkey, were transported through those regions.

The Struggle to Describe the New Grain

Describing the new grain became a challenge in England during Shakespeare's time. Gerard's Herbal in 1597 included a diagram of what is now known as corn and associated it with "turkey wheat" and "wheat." The terms were used interchangeably to describe various grains, leading to confusion. This struggle to accurately describe the new food crop can be seen as an attempt by society to make sense of the unfamiliar and incorporate it into their existing agricultural practices.

The Corn Famine of 1608

In 1608, torrential rains devastated the agricultural crops in England, resulting in a severe shortage of corn, wheat, barley, and oats. The scarcity of these crops led to a drastic increase in prices for essential food items such as ale and bread. As the prices soared, the wealthy began hoarding these items, exacerbating the problem. Despite official proclamations and sermons denouncing hoarding practices, they persisted, further driving up the cost of basic food items.

Hoarding and Rising Prices

The rising prices and hoarding practices infuriated the people of England, leading to open rebellion. Between 1586 and 1631, the country experienced at least 40 food riots, a clear indication of the people's desperation and frustration. The situation was dire, and the lack of access to affordable food became a matter of survival for many.

Food Riots in England

Shakespeare's play Coriolanus, written around 1608, specifically depicts a riot over corn in its opening scene. While the play is based on Plutarch's version of the story, Shakespeare's creative choice to include a food riot reflects the reality of what he and his fellow citizens were experiencing during that time. The citizens of 1608 London indeed took to the streets to protest the lack of food, and Shakespeare's portrayal of their outcry resonated with the audience of the era.

Shakespeare's Depiction of the Food Riots

In Coriolanus, Shakespeare writes, "The gods sent not corn for the rich men only," in Act 1, highlighting the inequitable distribution of essential resources during the corn famine. Through his play, Shakespeare gives voice to the struggles of the common people and criticizes the unequal access to food during a time of scarcity. This depiction serves as a reminder of the socio-economic challenges faced by ordinary individuals and the societal impact of food shortages.

The Importance of Corn in Shakespeare's Life

Corn played a significant role during Shakespeare's lifetime, both as a staple food and as a symbol of social and economic inequality. The corn famine of 1608 and the subsequent food riots exemplify the hardships faced by the people. By exploring the topic of corn, we gain insight into the contextual backdrop against which Shakespeare wrote his plays and the societal issues he addressed through his works.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the word "corn" had a broader meaning during Shakespeare's time, it is evident that corn, as we think of it today, did exist. From the introduction of maize to the struggles in accurately describing the new crop, corn played a crucial role in shaping the experiences of people in 17th century England. Shakespeare's depiction of food riots in his play Coriolanus serves as a poignant portrayal of the societal challenges and injustices faced by ordinary individuals during a time of crisis.

Highlights

• The word "corn" had a broader meaning in Shakespeare's time, encompassing various grains and food items.
• Maize, the corn we know today, was introduced to Europe in the 15th century.
• Describing the new grain became a challenge, leading to confusion and interchangeability of terms.
• The corn famine of 1608, caused by torrential rains, resulted in a shortage of corn, wheat, barley, and oats.
• Rising prices and hoarding practices led to food riots and civil unrest.
• Shakespeare's play Coriolanus depicts a food riot reflecting the realities of the time.
• Corn played a crucial role in Shakespeare's life, symbolizing societal issues and inequalities.

FAQ

Q: Did Shakespeare personally experience the corn famine? A: While it is unclear if Shakespeare experienced the corn famine firsthand, his play Coriolanus reflects the food riots and social unrest that occurred during that time.

Q: How did the introduction of maize impact European agriculture? A: The introduction of maize brought new possibilities for cultivation and food production in Europe, expanding the range of grain crops available.

Q: Were the food riots limited to England during the corn famine? A: No, food riots were a widespread occurrence across Europe during periods of scarcity and rising prices.

Q: How did the portrayal of food riots in Coriolanus resonate with the audience of the time? A: Shakespeare's depiction of food riots in Coriolanus gave voice to the struggles of the common people, highlighting the social and economic inequalities of the era. It resonated with the audience by reflecting their own experiences and frustrations.