William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare(his life and times)(his life and times)
1485-16251485-1625THE RENAISSANCETHE RENAISSANCEELIZABETHAN ERAELIZABETHAN ERA
A time of rebirth for the arts and literatureA time of rebirth for the arts and literature Named for Queen Elizabeth INamed for Queen Elizabeth I Politics and religion were intertwinedPolitics and religion were intertwined Age of ExplorationAge of Exploration Age of Discovery Age of Discovery
Elizabethan Era –continuedElizabethan Era –continuedBANNBANN
A notice of intended marriageA notice of intended marriageA legal, binding contractA legal, binding contractTherefore, 1 in 3 brides are Therefore, 1 in 3 brides are
pregnant on their wedding day.pregnant on their wedding day.
The Elizabethan Era – Bad The Elizabethan Era – Bad TimesTimes
#1 Killer – Bubonic Plague#1 Killer – Bubonic PlagueNearly half of all babies born died of Nearly half of all babies born died of
disease, infection, or poor diet. Over disease, infection, or poor diet. Over 20% of those who survived died before 20% of those who survived died before reaching adulthood.reaching adulthood.
And Yet… And Yet… London, 1563 – population 93,000London, 1563 – population 93,000
London, 1605 – population 224,000London, 1605 – population 224,000
Which is Surprising because…Which is Surprising because…
Toothbrushes won’t be invented for another Toothbrushes won’t be invented for another century.century.
People rarely bathed.People rarely bathed. Many people have stomach pains and sores Many people have stomach pains and sores
all over their bodies.all over their bodies.
Children had to work as soon as they Children had to work as soon as they were big enough (6)were big enough (6)
Ditches are public toiletsDitches are public toiletsButchers throw dead carcasses into Butchers throw dead carcasses into
the streetsthe streetsDoctors’ primary methods of care: Doctors’ primary methods of care:
leeches and amputationsleeches and amputations10,000 homeless people wandered 10,000 homeless people wandered
the streets of Londonthe streets of London
Working for the WeekendWorking for the Weekend
TheatreTheatreBear and bull Bear and bull
baitingbaitingCockfightingCockfightingBrawling and Brawling and
riotingriotingWitching burningWitching burningPublic executionsPublic executions
William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare
Born April 23, Born April 23, 1564 in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Stratford-upon-Avon, England.Avon, England.
ParentsParents
Father: John glove Father: John glove maker, wool maker, wool merchant, and “High merchant, and “High Bailiff” mayor; died Bailiff” mayor; died 16011601
Mother: Mary Arden, Mother: Mary Arden, daughter of a daughter of a successful farmer; successful farmer; died 1608died 1608
33rdrd of 8 children of 8 children First born sonFirst born son
Shakespeare’s birthplace Shakespeare’s birthplace
in Stratford-upon-Avonin Stratford-upon-Avonhttp://www.aboutbritain.com/http://www.aboutbritain.com/ShakespearesBirthplace.htmShakespearesBirthplace.htm
EducationEducation
Began at about Began at about age 5age 5
Stratford grammar Stratford grammar schoolschool
Long days: 6 a.m.-Long days: 6 a.m.-5:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.
Year-round school Year-round school (except major (except major holidays)holidays)
Shakespeare’s School Room, King Edward VI School
Marriage – Rock the Cradle of Marriage – Rock the Cradle of LoveLove
He married Anne He married Anne Hathaway on Nov. Hathaway on Nov. 1582.1582.
He was 18; she He was 18; she was 26 and was 26 and pregnantpregnant
Anne Hathaway’s Cottagehttp://www.onlineshakespeare.com/hathaway.htm
ChildrenChildren
Susanna: born May 26, 1583; married Dr. Susanna: born May 26, 1583; married Dr. John Hall in 1607; had one child Elizabeth; John Hall in 1607; had one child Elizabeth; died 1649died 1649
Hamnet: a twin born February 2, 1585; died Hamnet: a twin born February 2, 1585; died at age 11 and buried on August 11, 1596at age 11 and buried on August 11, 1596
Judith: a twin born February 2, 1585; Judith: a twin born February 2, 1585; married Thomas Quiney and had 3 children married Thomas Quiney and had 3 children (none lived to be older than 21); died 1662 (none lived to be older than 21); died 1662
The Lost YearsThe Lost Years1585-15921585-1592
There is no documented record of Shakespeare’sThere is no documented record of Shakespeare’s
activities from the birth of the twins until 1592.activities from the birth of the twins until 1592.
Theories Theories forced to flee Stratford to escape prosecution for forced to flee Stratford to escape prosecution for
poaching deerpoaching deer SoldierSoldier SailorSailor studied lawstudied law studied medicinestudied medicine worked as an apprenticeworked as an apprentice
actor/writer actor/writer
The Theater – In 1592, we the first The Theater – In 1592, we the first documented evidence of documented evidence of
Shakespeare’s rise to prominence in Shakespeare’s rise to prominence in the London theatrethe London theatre
He was an actor and a playwrightHe was an actor and a playwrightPart owner of the acting company he Part owner of the acting company he
wrote for, Lord Chamberlain’s Menwrote for, Lord Chamberlain’s MenLC’sM renamed King’s Men after LC’sM renamed King’s Men after
James was king in 1603James was king in 1603He became rich from acting company He became rich from acting company
rather than sale of playsrather than sale of plays
The GlobeThe Globe First opened in 1599 First opened in 1599 Destroyed by fire in 1613Destroyed by fire in 1613 Rebuilt in 1614Rebuilt in 1614 Demolished by the Puritans in Demolished by the Puritans in
1640s1640s Reopened in 1997Reopened in 1997
1614 1614 reconstructionreconstruction
todaytoday
More on The GlobeMore on The Globe
It accommodated an audience of about 3000 It accommodated an audience of about 3000 people from all social classes.people from all social classes.
The Globe was open to the sky.The Globe was open to the sky. The groundlings stood on the three sides of The groundlings stood on the three sides of
the raised stage. the raised stage. Richer people paid extra money for seats.Richer people paid extra money for seats. The stage is 40 feet across and 27 feet deep. The stage is 40 feet across and 27 feet deep. Scenery was minimal.Scenery was minimal. Women were forbidden from acting in public.Women were forbidden from acting in public.
Plays, Sonnets, and MorePlays, Sonnets, and More
37 plays: comedy, history, tragedy37 plays: comedy, history, tragedy Over 150 sonnetsOver 150 sonnets 2 lengthy narrative poems2 lengthy narrative poems ComedyComedy HistoryHistory TragedyTragedy
All’s Well That Ends WellAll’s Well That Ends Well Henry IV, pt 1Henry IV, pt 1 Antony and CleopatraAntony and CleopatraAs You Like ItAs You Like It Henry IV, pt 2Henry IV, pt 2 CoriolanusCoriolanusThe Comedy of ErrorsThe Comedy of Errors Henry VHenry V HamletHamletCymbelineCymbeline Henry VI, pt 1Henry VI, pt 1 Julius CaesarJulius CaesarLove’s Labours LostLove’s Labours Lost Henry VI, pt 2Henry VI, pt 2 King LearKing LearMeasure for MeasureMeasure for Measure Henry VI, pt 3Henry VI, pt 3 MacbethMacbethThe Merry Wives of WindsorThe Merry Wives of Windsor Henry VIIIHenry VIII OthelloOthelloThe Merchant of VeniceThe Merchant of Venice King JohnKing John Romeo and JulietRomeo and JulietA Midsummer Night’s DreamA Midsummer Night’s Dream Richard IIRichard II Timon of AthensTimon of AthensMuch Ado About NothingMuch Ado About Nothing Richard IIIRichard III Titus AndronicusTitus AndronicusPericles, Prince of TyrePericles, Prince of TyreTaming of the ShrewTaming of the ShrewThe TempestThe TempestTroilus and CressidaTroilus and CressidaTwelfth NightTwelfth NightTwo Gentlemen of VeronaTwo Gentlemen of VeronaWinter’s TaleWinter’s Tale
Our Language, Thanks to Our Language, Thanks to ShakespeareShakespeare
Words that first appeared in his plays:Words that first appeared in his plays: Admirable Admirable attorney attorney bedroombedroom DistastefulDistasteful fashionablefashionable frugalfrugal LaughableLaughable mimicmimic successfulsuccessful
Phrases:Phrases: ““at one fell swoop” or “sick at heart”at one fell swoop” or “sick at heart”
Sentences:Sentences: ““all the world’s a stage”all the world’s a stage” ““to thine own self be true”to thine own self be true” ““the course of true love never did run smooth”the course of true love never did run smooth”
More Words and Phrases . . .More Words and Phrases . . . Of the 17,677 words that Shakespeare used in all of his Of the 17,677 words that Shakespeare used in all of his
plays and sonnets, he was the first to use over 1,700 of plays and sonnets, he was the first to use over 1,700 of them. He wrote many of the words and phrases that we them. He wrote many of the words and phrases that we consider clichés today. Which of the following words consider clichés today. Which of the following words and phrases do you think Shakespeare coined?and phrases do you think Shakespeare coined?HeartsickHeartsick Heart of goldHeart of goldOne fell swoopOne fell swoop Long-hairedLong-hairedNaked truthNaked truth Foregone conclusionForegone conclusionBreak the iceBreak the ice It’s Greek to me It’s Greek to me Hot-bloodedHot-blooded Eat out of house and homeEat out of house and homeLeapfrogLeapfrog Too much of a good thingToo much of a good thingFancy-freeFancy-free Wear one’s hear on one’s Wear one’s hear on one’s sleevesleeveLive-long dayLive-long day The milk of human kindnessThe milk of human kindness
Even More Words and Even More Words and PhrasesPhrases
Some of the words we write and speak today in Some of the words we write and speak today in the English language many not have come into the English language many not have come into use without Shakespeare. The following is a list use without Shakespeare. The following is a list of some of the words he was first to write:of some of the words he was first to write:
gnarledgnarled frugalfrugal bumpbumpcountlesscountless lonelylonelyeventfuleventfuldwindledwindle radianceradiance controlcontrollaughablelaughable misplacedmisplacedimpartialimpartialamazementamazement obsceneobscene generousgeneroushurryhurry roadroad criticcritic
His GravesiteHis Gravesite Died April 23, 1616 of unknown causesDied April 23, 1616 of unknown causes Shakespeare is buried at Church of the Holy Trinity in Shakespeare is buried at Church of the Holy Trinity in
StratfordStratford An inscription on his tombstone reads:An inscription on his tombstone reads: Good friend, for Jesus´ sake forbeare Good friend, for Jesus´ sake forbeare
To digg the dust enclosed here! To digg the dust enclosed here! Blese be y man that spares thes stones Blese be y man that spares thes stones And curst be he that moves my bones. And curst be he that moves my bones.
Stratford Today
William’s WillWilliam’s Will
Dated March 25, 1616Dated March 25, 161610 pounds to “the poor of Stratford”10 pounds to “the poor of Stratford”Money to 3 actors of his companyMoney to 3 actors of his company150 pounds to Judith 150 pounds to Judith (another 150 pounds 3 years (another 150 pounds 3 years
later)later)
Most to his daughter SusannaMost to his daughter SusannaWife, Anne, afterthought, “Item, I give Wife, Anne, afterthought, “Item, I give
unto my wife my second best bed unto my wife my second best bed with the furniture”with the furniture”
Miscellaneous NotesMiscellaneous Notes
Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet is based on a poemis based on a poem.. The play takes place in the 14The play takes place in the 14thth century in century in
Verona, Italy.Verona, Italy. Most marriages during this time were arranged.Most marriages during this time were arranged. Marriages took place at a younger age. Marriages took place at a younger age. Romantic love was recognized as a powerful Romantic love was recognized as a powerful
force, but society did not generally view it as the force, but society did not generally view it as the basis of a sound marriage.basis of a sound marriage.
Drama TermsDrama Terms
Aside: A comment by a character onstage that is Aside: A comment by a character onstage that is intended to be heard by the audience, but not by intended to be heard by the audience, but not by other characters.other characters.
Foreshadowing: Hints to the audience of what will Foreshadowing: Hints to the audience of what will happen later. happen later.
Monologue: A lengthy speech addressed to other Monologue: A lengthy speech addressed to other characters on the stage, not to the audience.characters on the stage, not to the audience.
Soliloquy: A relatively long speech in which the Soliloquy: A relatively long speech in which the character talks to the audience or to no one in character talks to the audience or to no one in particular, expressing the character’s innermost particular, expressing the character’s innermost thoughts or providing background information for thoughts or providing background information for the audience.the audience.
Couplet: Two consecutive lines that rhyme
Foil:A foil is a person who contrasts with another character in order to highlight various features of the main character's personality
Be familiar with…Be familiar with…
ImageryImagerySimileSimileMetaphorMetaphorDramatic IronyDramatic Irony
On a piece of binder paper, agree or On a piece of binder paper, agree or disagree with the following disagree with the following
statements:statements:1.1. I believe in love at first sight.I believe in love at first sight.
2.2. My parents know more about love and My parents know more about love and relationships than I do.relationships than I do.
3.3. I would be willing to die for a friend.I would be willing to die for a friend.
4.4. Sometimes it is necessary to disobey your Sometimes it is necessary to disobey your parents.parents.
5.5. Older people are more prejudiced than young Older people are more prejudiced than young people.people.
6.6. There is never a good reason to kill someone.There is never a good reason to kill someone.
7.7. You shouldn’t fight your friends’ fights.You shouldn’t fight your friends’ fights.
*What do you know or think you know about the *What do you know or think you know about the play play Romeo and JulietRomeo and Juliet??
Ongoing assignment for Ongoing assignment for Romeo and JulietRomeo and Juliet
19 page Studyguide worth 60 points.19 page Studyguide worth 60 points.
First FolioFirst Folio
Written by John Heminges & Henry Written by John Heminges & Henry Condell (actors)Condell (actors)
Published in 1623Published in 162336 of his plays included 36 of his plays included (18 for the first (18 for the first
time)time)““to keep the memory of so worthy a to keep the memory of so worthy a
friend and fellow alive”friend and fellow alive”
1. Please open your books to page 769. Read “Literary Analysis” and “Reading Strategy.
2. In your notebook, paraphrase the Prologue on 771.
3. Preview Act I for possible reading parts.
