English 2034 Renaissance & Shakespeare

Roots of the Renaissance 1348: The Black Plague kills about 1/3 of European citizens. Early 1400s: Gutenberg's printing press begins to produce books. 1453: The Eastern Roman Empire ends as Muslim Turks occupy Constantinople (Istanbul). 1470: Leonardo da Vinci begins work as a professional artist in Florence as the Italian Renaissance gathers pace. 1492: Columbus discovers America.

The Renaissance A flow of new humanist ideas and newly-found Roman ideas and technology flows into Europe via Byzantine scholars and the printing press. Beginning in Italy around 1400, the “rebirth” of society flowers. England: Growing naval power and confidence, especially after the Spanish Armada is defeated (1588), brings a “golden age” to England. Elizabeth I The rise of London in dialect, power, and culture The growth of capitalism and urbanization with increasing trade

Medieval Mystery / Miracle Plays (1400s-1500s) - Grew out of church skits about biblical narratives - Performed by amateurs, but sometimes touring actors - Performed in churchyards or public areas - Religious themes, but often rough humor or jokes - Their growth leads to ticketed, private, secular plays - Best known is Everyman (c. 1510)

William Shakespeare 1564-1616 - Widely considered the greatest writer in the English language - Author of 38 plays and 154 sonnet poems - From Stratford-upon-Avon

- Son of an alderman and glove maker - Married Anne Hathaway at 18; three children - Moved to London around 1590 - Member of a playing company; part owner of the Globe theater

Did Walt Disney “write” Snow White, Cinderella, or Beauty & the Beast? Did he write his own plays? - About 40 historical documents describing him - Few medieval plays or stories were ‘invented.’ Most had traditional origins Did Walt Disney “write” Snow White, Cinderella, or Beauty & the Beast?

Shakespeare’s 14th great-niece, Suzana Shakespeare (February 2014) Shakespeare’s 14th great-niece, Suzana Shakespeare (February 2014). They live in Stratford.

The Globe (Replica). Theaters were first built in 1575.

An Elizabethan Theatre

An Elizabethan Audience Typically 3 tiers Capacity 1500-3000 Little artificial light Noisy and not always sober!

Many of the stage and acting conventions of a Shakespearean play are still done today.