ShakespeareShakespeareShakespeareShakespeare

His Life, Times, and WorksHis Life, Times, and WorksHis Life, Times, and WorksHis Life, Times, and Works

Birth and ChildhoodBirth and ChildhoodBirth and ChildhoodBirth and Childhood

Shakespeare’s childhood and young adulthood were in Stratford-upon-Avon, a small, busy market town.

He was baptized on April 26, 1564. It’s assumed he was born on April 23, 1564.

He was the son of John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. John was a prosperous glove-maker, wool dealer, and money-lender and a prominent city council member (served as Bailiff, like a Mayor, in 1568) though he fell on hard times later in his life.

He was the third child of eight and eldest surviving son.

Age 5-6, he attended petty (or junior) school. Age 7-14, he attended grammar school (King Edward VI School). He would have been schooled in Latin and Greek; he did not continue on to university.

Shakespeare’s childhood and young adulthood were in Stratford-upon-Avon, a small, busy market town.

He was baptized on April 26, 1564. It’s assumed he was born on April 23, 1564.

He was the son of John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. John was a prosperous glove-maker, wool dealer, and money-lender and a prominent city council member (served as Bailiff, like a Mayor, in 1568) though he fell on hard times later in his life.

He was the third child of eight and eldest surviving son.

Age 5-6, he attended petty (or junior) school. Age 7-14, he attended grammar school (King Edward VI School). He would have been schooled in Latin and Greek; he did not continue on to university.

The Chandos Portrait

Family LifeFamily LifeFamily LifeFamily Life

At 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway (who was 26 and pregnant at the time).

Together they had three children: Susanna in 1583 and twins Hamnet and Judith in 1585. (Hament died very young.)

They continued to live in Shakespeare’s childhood home.

At 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway (who was 26 and pregnant at the time).

Together they had three children: Susanna in 1583 and twins Hamnet and Judith in 1585. (Hament died very young.)

They continued to live in Shakespeare’s childhood home.

Shakespeare’s childhood home on Henley Street

The Lost YearsThe Lost YearsThe Lost YearsThe Lost Years

Between 1585 and 1592, we are not sure where Shakespeare was or what he was doing.

We do know he started a family and then left for London, where he began a very successful career in theatre.

We believe he arrived in London around 1586-87.

One theory -- he joined the Queen’s Men, a traveling theatre troupe who performed in Stratford (possibly in 1587, which may not necessarily work with other timelines).

Another theory -- he was a schoolmaster.

Between 1585 and 1592, we are not sure where Shakespeare was or what he was doing.

We do know he started a family and then left for London, where he began a very successful career in theatre.

We believe he arrived in London around 1586-87.

One theory -- he joined the Queen’s Men, a traveling theatre troupe who performed in Stratford (possibly in 1587, which may not necessarily work with other timelines).

Another theory -- he was a schoolmaster.

Map of London from 1574

Life in LondonLife in LondonLife in LondonLife in London

Shakespeare’s reputation in London was established by 1592.

Between 1592 and 1594, theatres close due to plague outbreaks. During these times, Shakespeare wrote poetry.

Famous poetry includes: “Venus and Adonis” (1593), “The Rape of Lucrece” (1594), and his Sonnets (written around this time but not published until 1609).

In 1594, Shakespeare joined the Lord Chamberlain’s Men with the Burbage brothers (Richard and Cuthbert) and John Hemminges.

He worked with them for almost 20 years, writing on average two plays a year.

Shakespeare’s reputation in London was established by 1592.

Between 1592 and 1594, theatres close due to plague outbreaks. During these times, Shakespeare wrote poetry.

Famous poetry includes: “Venus and Adonis” (1593), “The Rape of Lucrece” (1594), and his Sonnets (written around this time but not published until 1609).

In 1594, Shakespeare joined the Lord Chamberlain’s Men with the Burbage brothers (Richard and Cuthbert) and John Hemminges.

He worked with them for almost 20 years, writing on average two plays a year.

Richard Burbage

TheatresTheatresTheatresTheatres

It’s possible that Shakespeare’s earliest work was at the Theatre, owned by James Burbage (father of Richard and Cuthbert).

In 1599, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men built the Globe Theatre (possibly using the materials of the recently torn down Theatre) on the south bank of the Thames River in Southwark (outside London city limits). Shakespeare was one of the shareholders.

During a performance in 1613, a fire broke out. The Globe was rebuilt in 1614.

In 1609, they acquired Blackfriars Theatre, an indoor theatre, to use in conjunction with the Globe (Globe in summer, Blackfriars in winter). Shakespeare was likewise a shareholder in Blackfriars.

It’s possible that Shakespeare’s earliest work was at the Theatre, owned by James Burbage (father of Richard and Cuthbert).

In 1599, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men built the Globe Theatre (possibly using the materials of the recently torn down Theatre) on the south bank of the Thames River in Southwark (outside London city limits). Shakespeare was one of the shareholders.

During a performance in 1613, a fire broke out. The Globe was rebuilt in 1614.

In 1609, they acquired Blackfriars Theatre, an indoor theatre, to use in conjunction with the Globe (Globe in summer, Blackfriars in winter). Shakespeare was likewise a shareholder in Blackfriars.

A sketch of an Elizabethan theatre

A Midsummer Night’s A Midsummer Night’s DreamDream

A Midsummer Night’s A Midsummer Night’s DreamDream

Dream is believed to have been written around 1594 to 1596; a first quarto was published in 1600, a second quarto was published in 1619, and it is in the First Folio.

It would have been performed at the Theatre and the Globe.

Theseus and Hippolyta are from Greek mythology and are also written about in Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Knight’s Tale” from Canterbury Tales (published in late 14th century).

Pyramus and Thisbe are from Metamorphoses by Roman poet Ovid (43 BCE - 18 CE).

Bottom may be derived from The Golden Ass (also called Metamorphoses) by Apuleius (125 - 180 CE); it is the only Latin novel to survive in its entirety from the 2nd century.

Cupid and Pysche’s tale is not only from Greek mythology but is also told in The Golden Ass.

Dream is believed to have been written around 1594 to 1596; a first quarto was published in 1600, a second quarto was published in 1619, and it is in the First Folio.

It would have been performed at the Theatre and the Globe.

Theseus and Hippolyta are from Greek mythology and are also written about in Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Knight’s Tale” from Canterbury Tales (published in late 14th century).

Pyramus and Thisbe are from Metamorphoses by Roman poet Ovid (43 BCE - 18 CE).

Bottom may be derived from The Golden Ass (also called Metamorphoses) by Apuleius (125 - 180 CE); it is the only Latin novel to survive in its entirety from the 2nd century.

Cupid and Pysche’s tale is not only from Greek mythology but is also told in The Golden Ass.

Theseus battling Hippolyta and Deinomache (c. 1823-1838)

PatronagePatronagePatronagePatronage

Shakespeare’s patrons were the Earl of Southampton (Henry Wriothesley) and to a lesser degree the Earl of Pembroke (William Herbert).

In 1594, the Lord Chamberlain (Henry Carey) became the patron of the theatre company Shakespeare worked with.

In 1603, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men gained royal patronage when James I took the English throne. They became The King’s Men.

Shakespeare’s patrons were the Earl of Southampton (Henry Wriothesley) and to a lesser degree the Earl of Pembroke (William Herbert).

In 1594, the Lord Chamberlain (Henry Carey) became the patron of the theatre company Shakespeare worked with.

In 1603, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men gained royal patronage when James I took the English throne. They became The King’s Men.

Earl of Southampton

SuccessSuccessSuccessSuccess

In 1596, Shakespeare’s father was granted a coat-of-arms. When John Shakespeare died in 1601, William inherited the arms and the right to live as a gentleman (significant because in this time period, actors would have been considered “rogues” or “vagabonds”).

In 1597, he purchased New Place, one of the largest homes in Stratford.

In 1598, Francis Meres called him one of the best contemporary dramatists.

Shakespeare’s work was performed for both Queen Elizabeth I and later King James I, at court, and in royal palaces.

In 1596, Shakespeare’s father was granted a coat-of-arms. When John Shakespeare died in 1601, William inherited the arms and the right to live as a gentleman (significant because in this time period, actors would have been considered “rogues” or “vagabonds”).

In 1597, he purchased New Place, one of the largest homes in Stratford.

In 1598, Francis Meres called him one of the best contemporary dramatists.

Shakespeare’s work was performed for both Queen Elizabeth I and later King James I, at court, and in royal palaces.

A sketch of New Place

ContemporariesContemporariesContemporariesContemporaries

Shakespeare’s contemporaries would have included the University Wits, a group of well-educated writers, including Robert Greene, Thomas Nashe, and Christopher Marlowe.

Greene is famous for writing a very critical review of Shakespeare’s work in 1592, calling him “an upstart crow.” (Remember, Shakespeare was not a university-educated man but was widely popular, so perhaps they looked down on him and were jealous of him.)

Christopher Marlowe is famous for Dr. Faustus, a play about making deals with the devil, and for dying very mysteriously in a tavern knife fight.

Ben Jonson was also a contemporary and a good friend. Jonson is famous not only for his writing but also for his drinking.

Shakespeare’s contemporaries would have included the University Wits, a group of well-educated writers, including Robert Greene, Thomas Nashe, and Christopher Marlowe.

Greene is famous for writing a very critical review of Shakespeare’s work in 1592, calling him “an upstart crow.” (Remember, Shakespeare was not a university-educated man but was widely popular, so perhaps they looked down on him and were jealous of him.)

Christopher Marlowe is famous for Dr. Faustus, a play about making deals with the devil, and for dying very mysteriously in a tavern knife fight.

Ben Jonson was also a contemporary and a good friend. Jonson is famous not only for his writing but also for his drinking.

Christopher Marlowe

Later Life and DeathLater Life and DeathLater Life and DeathLater Life and Death

Around 1611, Shakespeare left London and returned to Stratford to live in New Place.

In March 1616, he signed his will.

He died on April 23, 1616 and was buried inside Holy Trinity Church in Stratford two days later.

A monument was erected to him in Holy Trinity Church shortly thereafter and remains there today on the wall close to his grave.

Around 1611, Shakespeare left London and returned to Stratford to live in New Place.

In March 1616, he signed his will.

He died on April 23, 1616 and was buried inside Holy Trinity Church in Stratford two days later.

A monument was erected to him in Holy Trinity Church shortly thereafter and remains there today on the wall close to his grave.

The bust of Shakespeare at Holy Trinity Church

The First FolioThe First FolioThe First FolioThe First Folio

The First Folio was published in 1623, 7 years after Shakespeare’s death.

It was the first collected edition of his plays and included 32 plays.

The plays were compiled by his colleagues John Hemminges and Henry Condell.

It included the Droeshout Engraving and a short poem of introduction by Ben Jonson.

Only about 1000 copies were printed; less than 250 survive today.

Largest collection at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC.

The First Folio was published in 1623, 7 years after Shakespeare’s death.

It was the first collected edition of his plays and included 32 plays.

The plays were compiled by his colleagues John Hemminges and Henry Condell.

It included the Droeshout Engraving and a short poem of introduction by Ben Jonson.

Only about 1000 copies were printed; less than 250 survive today.

Largest collection at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC.

The Droeshout Engraving

NeologismsNeologismsNeologismsNeologisms

Shakespeare is credited with creating around 1500 new words.

Some of the most well-known phrases in English are from Shakespeare.

Shakespeare is credited with creating around 1500 new words.

Some of the most well-known phrases in English are from Shakespeare.

The newly discovered Cobbe Portrait

Just a few examples...Just a few examples...Just a few examples...Just a few examples...

accommodationall that glitters isn’t goldalligatoramazementapostropheassassinationbe all and end allbloodybumpbreak the icecastigatecatch a coldclothes make the mancountlesscourtshipcriticdexterouslydisheartendislocatedwindle

elboweventfulexposureeyeballfair playfancy-freefrugalgenerousgloomyheart of goldheartsickhot-bloodedhousehold wordshousekeepingimpartialindistinguishableinvulnerableit’s Greek to melackluster leapfrog

laughablelonelymajesticmisplacedmonumentalobscenepiouspremeditatedpukeradiancerelianceroadskim milksubmergesuspiciousto thine own self be truetoo much of a good thing