SHAKESPEARE

Background Shakespeare was born in 1564 and died in 1616. He is the world’s most popular playwright. His popularity was as a result of several things: His plays have action His characters are believable His language is thrilling to hear or read He has a deep humanity and understood people well He had a great tolerance sympathy and love for all people, good or evil. Shakespeare wrote both comedies and tragedies

As a boy… Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England in 1564 The sixth year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He was the eldest son of John and Mary Arden Shakespeare. He had two sisters, Joan and Margaret. Both died before he was born. Other siblings are Gilbert, a second Joan, Anne, Richard, and Edmund. It is presumed that he had a good early education as all four of his teachers were graduates of Oxford University.

As a young man … He was 18 when he married Anne Hathaway. They had daughter Susanna, and twins, Hamnet and Judith. By 1592 he settled in London and was recognized as an actor and playwright. He was 28. He was accused of “borrowing” from the plays of others. Between 1592 and 1594, the plague kept most of the London theaters closed most of the time. It was during this time that he wrote his earliest sonnets and two long narrative poems.

Shakespeare Prospers The Globe Theatre had a sign that showed Atlas supporting the world – hence the theater’s name. Shakespeare was associated with the Globe Theatre for the rest of his active life. He owned shares in the theater which brought him much money. After Shakespeare settled in a large house in Stratford, his father applied for a coat of arms. It bore the motto – Non sanz droict – “Not without right” From that time on Shakespeare could write “Gentleman” after his name. This meant much because during his time actors were generally classed with criminals and vagrants. Shakespeare’s name began to appear on the title pages of his plays in 1598. This showed that his genius was recognized in his own time.

Honor as an Actor and Playwright Queen Elizabeth died in 1603. King James I followed her to the throne. Shakespeare’s theatrical company was taken under the king’s patronage and they were called the King’s Company. Shakespeare and the other actors were made officers of the royal household. By 1603 Shakespeare acted little. He did enjoy occasionally playing the role of Adam in ‘As You Like It’ and the ghost in ‘Hamlet’.

Death and Burial at Stratford In 1613 the Globe Theatre burned down. Although he lost a lot of money, he was still wealthy. Shakespeare died at the age of 52. He was buried in the chancel of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Stratford. This was said of Shakespeare, he was “a handsome, well-shaped man, very good company, and of a ready and pleasant smooth wit.”