Shakespeare brief bio Born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon Did not go to college Married at 18—to an older woman! Went to London in his 20s and joined an acting company Here he developed and honed the art of playwriting

Shakespeare’s House in Stratford (recreated)

Elizabethan England Shakespeare wrote during the Elizabethan Era Named after the rule of Queen Elizabeth I (1158-1603)

The Golden Age of English History The Elizabethan Era is often thought of as a golden age in English history Francis Drake became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe Francis Bacon laid out his philosophical and political views English colonization of North America took place under Sir James Huckle, Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Humphrey Gilbert.

The English Renaissance In addition to historical achievements, Elizabeth’s reign saw a flourishing of the arts (hence, the Elizabethan age is also called The English Renaissance) Shakespeare (and other contemporary playwrights) wrote plays that broke away from the past style of British plays

For most of his career, Shakespeare worked as an actor and playwright for the Lord Chamberlain’s Men They performed in the Globe Theatre

The Globe was a a three-story, open-air amphitheatre

Like all the other theatres in London, the Globe was closed down by the Puritans in 1642

How important is Shakespeare? A very rare copy of the First Folio edition of Shakespeare’s plays, published in 1623. Did you know that there are only 40 complete copies of the First Folio left in existence? Guess how much a copy of the First Folio was sold for in 2006… 5.2 million dollars!

Merchant of Venice Beowulf was written in Old English, Chaucer in Middle English, Shakespeare wrote in?

Merchant of Venice There are 2 major story lines one involving a vengeful, greedy creditor trying to exact a pound of flesh. Who does this involve? Shylock & Antonio the other involving a marriage suitor's choice among three chests and thereby winning his (or her) mate. Who does this involve? Bassanio & Portia Why do we call it the Merchant of Venice then??

Act 1 Scene 1 1. What causes do Salerio and Solanio suggest for Antonio’s melancholy? Because his money is tied up in his ships Because Antonio is in love 2. What is Gratiano’s speech to Antonio about? Not to be so upset about the world. 3. Who is the object of Bassanio’s affection? Portia 4. Why must Bassanio borrow money from Antonio? So that he can compete with Portia’s suitors

Themes Love Venice v Belmont Types of love in the play Significant couples – their motivations, obstacles, impact on other characters, etc. Which, if any, violate promises to each other? Which do not? What does each casket represent and say about love? Venice v Belmont What does each location represent? How is that significant to the play? Who are the major players in each location? How does the setting complement and develop their character?

Themes Law v Mercy Anti-semitism Spirit vs letter of the law What plot lines are affected by this concept? How do they resolve themselves? What is the balance the play suggests we strike? Who most “plays” with the law and how? Anti-semitism What actions and rhetoric in the play are arguably anti-semitic? Why might we interpret it as anti-semitism? Are there any elements of hypocrisy? What are the “Christian” values enumerated in the play? Who best embodies them?

Significant Quotes – Act I Antonio in I.i.1-7: “In sooth I know not why I am so sad…” Solanio in I.i.49-59: “Not in love neither? Then let us say you are sad…” Antonio in I.i.81-83: “I hold the world but as the world…” Bassanio in I.i.137-141: “To you, Antonio, / I owe the most in money and in love…” Antonio in I.i.145-6: “My purse, my person, my extremest means…” Shylock in I.iii.41-52: “How like a fawning publican he looks…” Shylock in I.iii.116-139: “Signior Antonio…”