William Shakespeare (1564-1616) He was 52 years old at the time of his death He wrote 37 plays in his lifetime as well as sonnets (14-line poems) and longer poems

Facts about theater in Shakespeare’s day Performances were given during the daytime hours in open-air theaters Theaters were divided into 2 main sections, one for wealthy patrons and one for not-so-wealthy patrons

2 main sections of Shakespearean theater Galleries For wealthy people, had benches “The pit” Dirt courtyard in front of stage where people stood For lower-class people called “groundlings”

Miscellaneous facts Performances contained no scenery and had to rely on dialogue to show the setting of the play Most of Shakespeare’s plays were performed in the Globe Theater -- built in 1599 -- fit 2000 people -- Plays lasted 2 hours Only men could perform onstage

Plays appealed to upper classes because: audiences loved the poetry of the language as well as Shakespeare’s use of puns and clever wordplay

Plays appealed to lower classes because: Audiences loved: -- violence, bloodshed, gore -- action, swordfighting -- raunchy jokes

Other popular forms of entertainment in Shakespeare’s day: Bearbaiting Bullbaiting

Why we study Shakespeare today: His plays are about the human condition We can relate to his characters and their situations Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest writer in the English language