William Shakespeare( )

“ He was not for an age, but for all time. ” --Ben Johnson

Social position: The summit of the English Renaissance, and one of the greatest writers the world over. Life: Born in Stratford-on-Avon — married Anne — went to London and established his fame — died on April 23,1616, the probable anniversary.

Shakespeare ’ s sonnet p in number, the only direct expression of the poet ’ s own feelings. 2. Sonnet are addressed to a beautiful young man of man of noble birth. Sonnet are to a dark lady. See sonnet 18, 105

Shakespeare ’ s drama 1. The purpose of drama is to give faithful reflection of the social realities of the time. “ To hold the mirror up to nature, to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image …” 2. Literary works which have truly reflected nature and reality can reach immortality.

Shakespeare ’ s dramatic career p58- 1 st period: history plays, comedies, tragedies. E.g. Henry VI. The Taming of the Shrew « 驯 悍记 », Love Labor ’ s Lost « 爱的徒劳 »,Romeo and Juliet 2 nd period: histories, comedies and tragedies. E.g. A Midsummer Night ’ s Dream, The Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing « 无事生非 », As You Like It « 如愿以偿 », Twelfth Night « 第十二夜 », The Merry Wives of Windsor « 温莎的风流娘们 », Julius Caesar « 恺撒大帝 »

3 rd period: his greatest tragedies and bitter comedies. Four great tragedies: Hamlet « 哈姆雷特 » or « 王子复仇记 » Othello « 奥瑟罗 » King Lear « 李尔王 » Macbeth « 麦克白 » Two comedies: All ’ s Well That Ends Well « 终成眷属 » Measure For Measure « 一报 还一报 » 4 th period: romantic tragicomedies. E.g. Cymbeline « 辛白林 » The Winter ’ s Tale « 冬天的童话 » Tempest « 暴风雨 »

Dramatic types of Shakespeare’s Plays 1.Comedies 2. History plays: express the necessity for national unity under a mighty sovereign. Henry IV

3. Tragedies. Hamlet: Shakespeare ’ s most popular play on the stage.Hamlet: Shakespeare ’ s most popular play on the stage. Othello: a study of human nature, two warring elements: love and hatred Macbeth: Shakespeare ’ s most powerful study of evil King Lear: not only a tragedy of individual, but also a tragedy of a society.

4. Romance. E.g. Tempest: the last play written by Shakespeare unaided.

The structure of the playhouse

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

The characters Hamlet, Prince of Denmark The ghost of Hamlet ’ s dead father Claudius, the dead king ’ s brother Gertrude, Hamlet ’ s mother Ophelia, Polonius ’ s daughter, Hamlet ’ s lover Polonius, the garrulous 饶舌的 old chamberlain 国王的侍从 Horatio, Hamlet ’ s friend Laertes, Polonius ’ s son

The story Horatio brought Hamlet to the battlements of Elsinore Castle, where the ghost of Denmark ’ s dead king had appeared three times, to see the ghost.

Hamlet listened in horror to what the ghost of the dead king told him about his having been murdered by Claudius.

Hamlet was not sure whether the ghost had told the truth and consequently very tormented. Hamlet pretended to be mad.

Hamlet arranged a troupe of actors to act out the scene that revealed the murdering. Claudius was very unnerved.

Hamlet killed mistakenly Polonius after he yelled violently at her mother, Gertrude. Laertes, Polonius ’ s son sought revenge.

Claudius persuaded Lartes to fight with Hamlet. Claudius poisoned Lartes ’ s sword.

Gertrude was poisoned to death accidentally after drinking the poisonous cup, which was supposed to be drunk by Hamlet.

Laertes and Hamlet were both wounded mortally. Hamlet killed Claudius. Laertes and Hamlet died.

Artistic Features Of Shakespeare ’ s Plays: 1. Characterization: the major characters do not represent certain groups, but are individuals with distinct personalities. 2. Structure: well-organized. Harmony and order disbalanced — social conflicts sharpened — harmony and order restored at the end 3. Language and style: Shakespeare is a master of English language. Almost all the speeches fit all the characters who speak them.

Ben Johnson ’ s comedies: (see P 109) “ comedies of humors ”