* The patronage of the Earl of Southampton: The Earl of Southampton was a prominent patron of the arts and a known admirer of Shakespeare. He even dedicated his long narrative poems "Venus and Adonis" and "The Rape of Lucrece" to the Earl. Elizabeth I favored Southampton, so it's possible she was indirectly aware of Shakespeare's work through him.
* The popularity of the theater: The Elizabethan era was a flourishing time for theater. Elizabeth I herself enjoyed plays, and her court was a major patron of the arts. Shakespeare's company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, was the royal company, meaning they performed at court regularly. It's likely that she saw some of Shakespeare's plays, even if she didn't directly commission them.
* The general atmosphere of the court: The English court during Elizabeth's reign was a hotbed of creativity and innovation. Elizabeth I was a keen patron of the arts, and this environment would have fostered the development of talented writers like Shakespeare.
However, it's important to note:
* No direct evidence: There are no known letters, diaries, or official documents proving any direct patronage or encouragement from Elizabeth I to Shakespeare.
* Historical context: The Queen was a powerful figure, and it was unlikely she would directly engage with individual playwrights in a way we might expect today.
* Shakespeare's success was primarily due to his talent: Shakespeare's genius for writing and his ability to capture the spirit of the time were key factors in his success.
In conclusion, while there is no direct evidence of Elizabeth I's specific encouragement of Shakespeare, his work likely benefited from the general climate of artistic patronage and appreciation during her reign.