Setting the Stage

In the [editor's] introduction, the editor sums up the point of the play in just a few sentences. However, it is not just the point of the play that is being revealed, whether how the play functions as a satirical piece as well as portraying “the citizens’ over-blown pride in their craft, city, and country.” He says that this play is “a parody of the uncritical patriotism celebrated in plays from the public theatre.” Looking at the map of London, it is simple to identify the changing of the times. London’s population was growing at a rapid rate, thus there was an abundance of “citizenry” jobs needed in order to accommodate this growth. Instead of the aristocrats being the only celebrated ones in the city, the common people were being recognized as a very important aspect of the city. One act that solidifies this very notion is when the grocer brings his wife to the side of the stage to sit with him-which is in violation of decorum. Even though this is just the opening of the play, it sets the tone for the entire play. The citizen says "Why, present something notably in honour of the commons of the city." The grocer makes a very valid point-protesting that if the common people are in fact the ones spending money on these plays, why not have a play to glorify the commoner? After all, it was the commoners who made London possible as a booming and thriving city. This act of rebellion is key to the entire play, which in itself functions to shed light on the citizens.