Discussion  What kinds of topics from

Shakespeare's work might still be important topics today?

Love, comedy, courage, and evil.

Discussion  Why is Shakespeare considered a

great writer?

He wrote many plays and poems. His language was rich with imagery, and his ideas still connect with our lives today.

The Theater in England and Spain

The Elizabethan era in England: The reign of Queen Elizabeth I included a great cultural flowering. The drama of William Shakespeare was especially notable.

Spanish drama: Touring theater companies brought the latest Spanish plays to all parts of Spain's empire. Lope de Vega became the most well known Spanish dramatist of the time.

Shakespeare The Globe Theater: In his plays,

Shakespeare shows a remarkable understanding of the human condition. Elizabethan theaters sold tickets at different prices so that both rich and poor could enjoy the plays of Shakespeare and others.

A universal genius: Shakespeare, a master of the written word, also became famous for a form of poetry called the sonnet.

Discussion  Why do you think the Globe Theatre

was attractive to audiences?

The theater's round layout made the audience part of the show.

Spain's Golden Age of Literature

Miguel de Cervantes and Don Quixote: The "golden age" of Spanish literature was crowned by a single book: Miguel de Cervantes's Don Quixote. The book tells of a man who imagines he is a knight and another man who joins him as a squire. It skillfully blends the worlds of dreams and reality.

Spanish theater and Lope de Vega: Lope de Vega's many plays are notable for their wit and dramatic action.

Discussion  What is the value of reading literature

from the Golden Age?

It is important to read great works even if they are from long ago. The works have something to tell us about life.