Introduction to William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare Born in Stratford upon Avon, England April 23, 1564 Performed as an actor and also was a playwright, writing histories, comedies, tragedies, & tragicomedies Wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets In 1585, married Anne Hathaway (8 years his senior) Had a daughter (Susanna) and twins (Hamnet and Judith) Allegedly died April 23, 1616

Globe Theater Located in London, England Many of Shakespeare's plays were performed here from 1596-1618. plays were only held during the day because there was no way to light the stage actors were generally men (even if the characters were women) the wealthy sat on higher levels to avoid the dirt and stench of the lower level very few sets, costumes, or props were used so the audience had to use their imaginations The Globe burned down after a cannon shot caught the thatched roof on fire in 1618

Globe Video Interactive Simulation

These are just a few phrases that he made up that people use today! "Wild goose chase" (Romeo and Juliet) "Kill with kindness" (Taming of the Shrew) "It was Greek to me" (Julius Caesar) "Dead as a doornail" (Henry VI) "All that glitters is not gold" (Merchant of Venice) "As good luck would have it" (The Merry Wives of Windsor)

Hamlet Romeo and Juliet Macbeth A Midsummer Night's Dream Taming of the Shrew As You Like It Julius Caeser All's Well That Ends Well Henry IV Noteworthy Titles

Background Info… The play: The “Real Macbeth” He was the 11th century Scottish king He ascended to the throne by killing Duncan, a poor ruler He was not the notorious character that Shakespeare made him out to be in his play The “real” Macbeth successfully ruled Scotland for 17 years The play: Macbeth was written between 1603-1607 Macbeth is a TRAGEDY(a play in which human actions have inevitable consequences, in which the characters' bad deeds, errors, mistake, and crimes are never forgiven or rectified) (Tragic Hero) Superstition forbids serious actors to say the actual name of the play…many “unfortunate accidents” have been reported on sets of “The Scottish Play”.

Summary of “The Scottish Play” A brave and intelligent man deliberately murders one of his fellowmen -his friend, his kinsman, his guest, his king-he must immediately as a consequence of his first murder, kill two other innocent men. After that, he cannot turn away from his evil course. It leads him to further appalling crimes and finally to disgrace, alienation, isolation, despair, violence and other things...

Inverness Cumberland Dunsinane Hill