William Shakespeare

Introduction Born: 1564 (most likely April 23rd) in Stratford-upon-Avon (100 miles northwest of London) Parents: John and Mary Shakespeare. John was a leather goods worker and dealer in agricultural commodities. 8 children in total, William was the 3rd. Education: Stratford grammar school (The King’s New School – dedicated by Edward VI) where he learned English and Latin. Other influences include the Church, as everyone attended church and received training in the many stories of the bible.

Introduction Con’t Marriage: Married Anne Hathaway on November 28, 1582, who at the time was 3 months pregnant and also 8 years older than him. Children: 3 children, Daughter Susanna and twins Hamnet and Judith Death: April 23, 1616 on his grave stone is written: GOOD FREND FOR JESUS SAKE FORBEARE, TO DIGG THE DUST ENCLOASED HEARE. BLESTE BE Ye MAN Ye SPARES THES STONES, AND CURST BE HE Ye MOVES MY BONES.

Shakespeare’s World Elizabethan England 1558 – 1603 BORN: 7 September 1533 DIED: 24 March 1603 Elizabeth was 25 years old when she became Queen of England in 1558. She held reign for 45 years until her death in 1603. She remained unmarried throughout her entire life and used her position as an unmarried monarch to her political advantage in Europe.

Shakespeare Con’t Move into the Cities London became one of the most populated cities in the world. Also one of the most vile, unhealthy and pungent cities. Created opportunities for Theatres and entertainment companies to attract mass crowds for their performances When the plague had not shut them down that is. Also very popular at this time was Bear Baiting.

Shakespeare’s World Con’t The Globe Theatre The original globe was built in 1599, by the Burbage brothers Cuthbert and Richard. Shakespeare invested some money in the theatre to have part ownership as well as some other members of Lord Chamberlain's Men. 3 levels represent the class structure of Elizabethan England Bottom – I pence Middle – 3 pence Top – 6 pence

Shakespeare as Pop Culture In Elizabethan Culture everyone went to the plays. From the most lowly peasant to the Queen, all were entranced by the playwrights of the day. Shakespeare and Marlowe were two of the biggest playwrights and were always competing. The plays were the equivalent to Television today. Also, the playhouse was were everyone went to be “seen” and to make appearances in society.

Shakespeare’s Plays Shakespeare wrote plays for three main Genres: Comedies Romances Tragedies Histories His ability to capture the human condition or main archetypes has not been surpassed. Shakespeare speaks across time to all humans and what struggles and joys we all experience.

Shakespeare Con’t Now, Please write 4 things that you have just learned or find most interesting about William Shakespeare. Original Documentary “William Shakespeare” aired on the Knowledge Network September 17th, 2002.