Shakespeare: Life and Times The Shakespearean Era: mid 1500’s-early 1600’s King Henry VIII died in 1547. Edward VI (only son of Henry) succeeded him to the throne. He was 16 when he died. Lady Jane Grey was cousin and proclaimed queen by the court. Nine days later she was deposed and banished to the Tower of London

The Times (continued) Mary Tudor (eldest daughter of Henry VIII) claimed the throne. Queen Mary was Catholic. Called “Bloody Mary” by her subjects. Re-established the Roman Catholic Church. Beheaded her cousin Jane Grey and began to persecute Protestant members of the Anglican Church her father founded in 1531 so he could get a divorce. Queen Mary imprisoned her half-sister Princess Elizabeth. Queen Mary died in 1558. Elizabeth took the throne. Elizabeth I , "Darnley Portrait", c. 1575

Queen Elizabeth She re-established the Church of England, ending the persecution. She never married, claiming that a husband would take away her duty to England. She was called “The Virgin Queen.” (can you name the colony that was named for her?) Elizabeth I ruled England for 44 years. Related to the current Queen of England, Elizabeth II. Patron of the arts, she even composed music of her own. Responsible for the rebuilding of England as the greatest nation in the world

World Views People believed there was right and wrong (no shades of grey) If bad happened to you, it was punishment from God. All life lessons were taught by the Church The Biblical God was the ruler of everything and everyone. The monarch was ruler by divine right, chosen because God wanted him/her. Teenagers were to obey every wish of their parents until marriage (and they did). Children had no rights, except what their parents allowed them to do

World Views (continued) GOD ROYALTY NOBILITY CLERGY COMMON MEN COMMON WOMEN AND CHILDREN

SHAKESPEARE'S LIFE FATHER: John Shakespeare: businessman in leather and glove making. Chamberlain then alderman the high baliff which is like a city mayor. Mother: Mary Arden Born: in Stratford-on-Avon. Not sure of actual birth date. Baptized on April 26, 1564 Custom was to baptize three days after birth, so assumed birth date is April 23. Married Anne Hathaway in 1582. He was 18. She was 26. Susanna was born in 1583. Twins Judith and Hamnet 1585. Hamnet died in 1596.

Life in London Not much know about life between 1583 and 1592 In 1592, he was recognized as an actor and playwright in London. Plague in London closes theatres between 1592 and 1594. He wrote his sonnets and narrative poems during this time. Shakespeare lived in London during this time, but his wife and family lived in Stratford. In 1594, he helped form the acting company “The Lord Chamberlain’s Men.” Globe Theatre built in 1598. Queen Elizabeth died in 1603 King James took the company and named it “The King’s Men.” The second Globe, c.1638

Older Years Retired to Stratford in 1610. Globe Theatre burned to the ground in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII. Died April 23, 1616 at the age of 52 Buried at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Stratford. Gave most of his property to Susanna, his daughter. Gave his wife “his second best bed.” Anne died in 1623.

Writings 38 plays 154 sonnets Numerous other poetry Henry VIII and Two Noble Kinsmen were co-written The Play Cardenio has been totally lost to history. Nothing exists but the title.