In the context of skilled craftsmen during Shakespeare's time, literacy rates were notably high, with around 60 percent able to read. This figure reflects a significant level of education within this group, which included figures like John Shakespeare, William Shakespeare's father. Such statistics indicate that craftsmanship was not solely about manual skills but also required a degree of intellectual engagement.

This connection between literacy and craftsmanship underscores the importance of reading and writing in various trades. It suggests that many artisans valued education, which likely contributed to their ability to innovate and improve their crafts, marking an interesting aspect of the cultural landscape during the Renaissance period.