ABSTRACT
In 1969 the sociologist Norbert Elias published a seminal work discussing what he called the “court society.” Elias made clear that during the early modern age, the king was the main source of power, and the court, the place where the royal household with its countless dependents was located, was the primary destination for people seeking favors, influence, and status. The ultimate goal of these people living at court was therefore being as close as possible to the king and enjoying the honor and favors that were associated with that position. The rise of favorite ministers coincided with the exponential growth of urban population in those cities hosting a court, such as Madrid, Paris, and London, and the subsequent growth of the play-going public and the transformation of the theater into an exceptional channel for cultural expression. Throughout this period, numerous playwrights composed dramas featuring favorite ministers and commenting on political favoritism.
