William Shakespeare and the Elizabethan Era An Introduction

The Elizabethan Era Named for Queen Elizabeth, the “Virgin Queen” Elizabeth became Queen at age 25; took over for her sister Mary after Mary’s death She never married Reigned as England’s sole Monarch for 45 years Had a reputation as a fair, wise, virtuous, “otherworldly” Queen

The Elizabethan Era cont’d The “golden” age of England’s history High point of the European Renaissance Age of exploration and expansion of English territory and influence Protestant Reformation took hold in England Science, technology, art all flourished Prosperity and peace were the trends

The Life of William Shakespeare Father John was a glover and tanner (of leather) W.S. grew up in a family that saw its share of hard times—deep in debt, no coat of arms Date of birth is not known—only baptism record was kept (April 26, 1564) He had several siblings, but all died young W.S. was lucky to live—he was a child during harsh plague years

The Life of W.S. cont’d Attended grammar school in Stratford-on- Avon Not much is known about his teen years…he may have served as an apprentice to his father, or may have studied law One thing’s for sure: at age 18, he married a woman named Anne Hathaway, who was eight years his senior

W.S.’ Interesting Marriage When William and Anne were married, Anne was three months’ pregnant with W.’s child Susanna was born in 1583, and twins (Hamnet and Judith) arrived in 1585 Hamnet died of an unknown cause at age 11 Shakespeare left his wife and children in approximately 1585 for London…

W.S.’ Interesting Career It is assumed that Shakespeare abandoned his family to try his luck at acting and writing in London, the center of artistic life in England “The Lost Years” (1585-1592): that time period at the beginning of W.S.’ life in London No one knows for sure what he was doing, but it is assumed that he acted and wrote sonnets and plays while trying to establish himself as a respected theater professional

W.S.’ Interesting Career cont’d 1592: the first reference to Shakespeare as a known, but not necessarily respected, playwright 1593: S. had written several plays which captured the attention of the Earl of Southampton, who became his “patron” The Earl became the subject of much of S.’ poetry

W.S.: Respect at Last 1594: returned to theater and became a member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, an acting troupe which performed for the Queen S. wrote many plays during his time with the L.C.M.: Romeo and Juliet among them He wrote the plays, acted in them, had part ownership in the Company, and eventually helped purchase the L.C.M.’s first theater, the Globe

W.S.: the Later Years In 1596, the Shakespeare family finally received their coat of arms 1n 1603, after the death of the Queen, The L.C.M. became the “King’s Men”—the only acting company allowed to perform for the new king James In his will, W.S. left his wife, Anne, his “second-best bed” S. retired back to Stratford in the early 1600s. He died April 23,1616, and left his estate to his daughter

Fast Facts about W.S. He wrote 38 plays and 154 sonnets He is the most-performed playwright in history Three types of plays: comedy, tragedy, history Some assume that others must have written at least a few of the works that are attributed to him

The Globe Theater

ELIZABETHAN THEATERS EXTERNAL STRUCTURE Circular Open Air Awning over gallery seating Seats approximately 2-3 thousand

Elizabethan Theater Internal Structure Wealthy patrons sat on benches in gallery Common people stood around the stage in the “pit” They were called groundlings.

Internal Structure Stage protruded out into the audience. Large dressing area behind the stage was called the tiring house Area above stage called “heaven” Trap door in stage called “hell”.

Internal Structure gallery heaven tiring house pit

Characteristics of Elizabethan Drama Sets are not elaborate. Clothing was fancy Elizabethan period dress. All male actors. Did use special effects only sounds, banners, musicians Plays were typically in early afternoon about 2 p.m. Flags were raised at the theater on day of play. Flyers were distributed to advertise play.