Nobles vs. Serfs
There is a great difference between nobles and serfs from the Elizabethan Era. In the Modern Era as well, the rich class and poor class are very different. In the novel, Romeo and Juliet, the Montagues and Capulets are two families in different social classes. The noble Capulets have a strong hatred for the Montagues, which are are also a family of nobles. Noble men come from the greatest and wealthiest families. Nowadays, wealth can come from from family, or earning money yourself. Both the Capulet and Montague family are very wealthy families.The oldest noble families have traced family history back hundreds of years. There are wealthy families today that trace family history back to the Elizabethan nobles. Newer nobles formed during the reign of King Henry VIII. Life for the poor was quite harsh. It is still very hard today for several people all around the world.There were three different types of serfs. These three groups are similar to poor in modern times. One group was the Helpless Poor. This consisted of the old, the sick, the disabled, and children. The Able Bodied Poor were people who wanted to work and were able to. Any serf who was able to work but chose to steal instead was considered part of the Rogues and Vagabonds. Many crimes due made now are also cases of stealing. Clothes distinguished wealth and social status. Different styles and colors revealed what one's social status is. This is also the case now. There are certain styles that only rich people can afford, such as real diamond earrings and gold jewelry.