William Shakespeare 1564-1616

Early Years Born: Stratford-Upon-Avon, England Son of prominent town official 3rd child of 8 Received excellent education with heavy focus on grammar and literature (probably…)

Marriage and Family Married at age 18 to Anne Hathaway (she was 26), who was pregnant with his child 1st child was daughter, Susanna Twins, Hamnet and Judith Hamnet passes away at age 11

“Lost Years” The period between 1585 and 1592 is known as the “Lost Years” because there are no documentary records of Shakespeare’s activities.

Later Years Moved to London around 1591 and became an actor Worked with the Lord Chamberlin’s company of players, later known as the King’s Men.

Works of Literature Along with acting, he also wrote some of the most renowned pieces and studied literature written in the English language. Poems : he is most remembered for his sonnets Plays: Comedies, Tragedies, and Histories

Comedies All’s Well that Ends well As you like it Comedy of errors Measure for measure Midsummer night’s dream Taming of the shrew Much ado about nothing Twelfth night Merchant of venice

Tragedies Julius Caesar Hamlet Macbeth Othello Romeo and Juliet King lear

Histories King Henry V King John Richard II Richard III

Works of Literature He wrote 37 (known) very successful plays His vocabulary is considered to be extensive (between 17,000- 34,000 words) The typical, modern educated person has a vocabulary of about 15,000 words

Influence to the modern English language I couldn’t sleep a wink He was dead as a doornail They hoodwinked us We’d better lie low for awhile It’s all Greek to me

Influence to the modern English language Accommodation Assassination Dexterously Dislocate Obscene Reliance Premeditate Lonely Gloomy FRETFUL Suspicious Hurry

Later Years Returned to Stratford around 1610 where he lived as a country gentleman Wealthy – he owned one of the largest homes in town Died in Stratford in 1616 at the age of 52. His death was a mystery (convenient). It is rumored that he drank too much and contracted a fever or that he died from a cerebral hemorrhage.

Elizabethan Age Shakespeare lived and wrote during what is known as the Elizabethan Renaissance, which lasted from about 1485 – 1660s Named after Queen Elizabeth, who ruled England from 1558-1603

“God Save the Queen”

Elizabethan Age During this time, society celebrated poets and the arts This period is best known and remembered as a time of immense growth and inventiveness in the theater Previously, drama was not held to such high esteem

Elizabethan Age England, as a nation, was flourishing London was becoming one of the largest cities in Europe Catholics were experiencing religious persecution Women were still very much restricted in society Most Londoners endured crowded living conditions and an unsatisfactory diet

Fashion

Fashion

Globe Theater https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3VGa6Fp3zI

Globe Theater Today’s experience in a theater v.s. an experience in the Globe

Globe Theater To make up for the audience’s lack of hearing, the actors would exaggerate their gestures and facial expressions, unlike the more natural acting of today Only male actors

Hamlet A story of revenge, betrayal, ghosts, and desire (and potentially psychosis…)

Hamlet

Hamlet Prince of Denmark Grief-stricken Passive aggressive Vengeful, but inactive Genius or mental

Claudius King of Denmark Hamlet’s Uncle/Step-Father Cunning, ambitious politician The villain Infrequently sympathetic

Gertrude Queen of Denmark Hamlet’s Mother Through the eyes of Hamlet: Ruled by passion Simple-minded Tricked A loving disgrace

Polonius The Lord Chamberlain of Claudius’ court Father of Laertes and Ophelia Good intentions, but conniving Sometimes comic relief

Laertes Son of Polonius Ruled by passions and desires Stays in France Quick to take action Foil to Hamlet (reflective and agonized)

Ophelia Hamlet’s love interest (temporarily) Sweet and innocent Obedient dependent

Horatio Hamlet’s Friend Went to school with Hamlet Even-tempered Loyal Helpful

Reading the Play A serious threat to the well being of a nation Corruption War Incest Collusion A whiny, over-emotional teenager Upset with “Evil” Step-Father Mental case who sees his dead dad

You decide…

Tragic Hero https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0KxE AnyXbo