Analyzing the comedies relevant to the »War of the Theatres«, 1599-1601, a new aspect, that of the social belonging of the writers involved, has been pointed out. The author explains the behaviour of Jonson primarily in terms of his aspirations to achieve a higher social position to which he thinks he is entitled because of his learning and excellent classical education. In his plays he praises the aristocracy and high society in general, while attacking and satirizing the citizens, the public theatres, their playwrights and actors. In this raspect Joinison is on the position of the city and state authorities who were suspicious towards the public theatres and their audiences. In short, the »War of the Theatres« has been explained here in terms of social struggle. The plays discussed here are Every Man Out of His Humour, Cynthia’s Revels, What You Will, The Poetaster and Satiromastix.
