By William Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet By William Shakespeare

Who was William Shakespeare? Baptized April 26, 1564 in Stratford upon Avon; his birth date is unknown. Married Anne Hathaway and had three children, Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith. Hamnet died at the age of 11. Moved to London away from his family.

Not much is known about his life from 1585-1592 Performed plays for Queen Elizabeth I Was part of the Black Friars then the Lord Chamberlain’s men He died in 1616 from unknown causes.

Types of Elizabethan Theatres Inn yard Theatre- consisted of an Inn in which players would perform in the yard while spectators looked down from their balconies.

Types continued Great Halls- This was not a theatre for the public. Normally a private performance for royalty.

Types conitued Outdoor theatres The Globe is one of the most important theatres in the history of the Elizabethan Era. Most plays by Shakespeare were performed in the Globe. Refer to your hand out.

The Globe 24 sided polygon A large stage that jutted out into the audience. Standing or sitting place in the Globe determined social rank. Only the wealthy were allowed to sit. Groundlings were the poor.

Pictures of the Globe

Inside the Globe-the stage

Purpose and facts Shakespeare is renown for his ability to take historical events and weave a tale around them. Many of his plays have a historical or mythological connection. Shakespeare wrote history plays along with tragedies and comedies. He is also famous for his many sonnets (Shall I compare thee…).

Background information There is a political background to Romeo and Juliet, which is almost always overlooked. During the Italian Renaissance, powerful families often quarreled violently. One feud was between the Cerchi and Donati families in Florence. The fighting started around 1300 and continued for 50 years. Shakespeare possibly learned of their story, and created Romeo and Juliet. It could also be based on The Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Juliet, a well known Renaissance poem.

Background information Most characters will speak in poetry. Few will speak in prose (i.e. every day language). Lines are written in couplets-two lines of verse that are rhymed similarly. Blank verse- unrhymed iambic pentameter. Beware of puns! Ol’ Will is notorious for them!

The Main Characters The Montagues Lord Montague Lady Montague Romeo, son of the Montagues Benvolio, R’s cousin Balthasar-R’s servant The Capulets Lord Capulet Lady Capulet Juliet, daughter of the Capulets Tybalt, J’s cousin Nurse-J’s servant

The Servants Montagues’ servants Abram Capulets’ servants Peter-servant to Nurse Sampson Gregory

Other important characters Prince Escalus- ruler of Verona Mercutio- R’s friend and Prince’s relative Friar Lawrence- a priest Friar John- another priest Count Paris-a young nobleman and a relative of Prince An apothocary

Character Maps Take the characters and write their names on your drawing sheet. Make a legend to help you remember the relationships that the characters make. We will refer to these throughout this play, so keep up with them!

Elements within Romeo and Juliet The Prologue is crucial to our understanding of the play. Not only does it give us the setting, but it also gives a summary of the play. In the Prologue, find the following items: setting, plot, conflict, climax, resolution, and performance time. In fourteen lines, we discover the entire play!

Memorization assignment You must memorize the prologue. It will be a 100 point grade. I will count off 1 point for every 3 errors.