Shakespeare & Elizabethan Drama

Origins Queen Elizabeth I (reigned 1558-1603)

Origins Source of popular, secular entertainment Began in courtyards of inns and taverns

Origins Represented microcosm of Elizabethan society

Theaters Theaters were globe-shaped Open-air Reliant on natural light

Theaters This video was shot at the Globe Theatre; this is how Shakespeare's audiences would have experienced his plays.

Conventions Proximity of audience and actors led to soliloquy and aside Soliloquy: speech spoken by character to themselves, sharing their thoughts and feelings with the audience Aside: speech spoken by a character to the audience & unheard by other characters

Shakespeare’s Language Written in verse Musicality + imagery = emotion

Shakespeare’s Language Theatres were open air & dependent on natural light so atmospheric conditions were conveyed via language “Night’s candles are burnt out and jocund day/Stands tiptoe on the misty mountain tops.” ~Romeo & Juliet

Shakespeare’s Language Women’s roles were played by young boys so romantic passion had to be conveyed via language “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.” ~Romeo & Juliet

Shakespeare’s Language Written in Iambic pentameter (line= 5 feet of stressed & unstressed syllables Mimics human heartbeat Necessitated combining, shortening, rearranging, mispronouncing, and omitting words

Shakespeare’s Language The beginning of this scene demonstrates the iambic pentameter beat.

Shakespeare’s Language Thou’rt = thou art ‘Tis = it is Ne’er = never Movéd = move-ed (2 syllables)

Imagery in Shakespeare Metaphor creates visual images and emotion Life as a stage Political strife as disease Love as a game or trial

Shakespeare’s Themes Illusion Lovers’ deceptions Secret actions Carefully-crafted personas