William Shakespeare 1564–1616

Regarded as greatest writer in English Literature wrote 37 plays about 154 sonnets

The early years  Born in April 1564 in Stratford on Avon  His father - a fairly rich merchant

Shakespeare was… Born when there were many diseases Many babies died in their first year People were not expected to live to an old age

Stratford-upon-Avon

He attended the Grammar School

Wife and Children  Married Anne Hathaway in 1582  Anne was 26, he was 18  3 children  The youngest, Hamnet, died at the age of 11

London  Went to London at 21  Joined a travelling company of actors  Worked as an actor and a writer

London Life in the 16 th century  High death rate - plague always present somewhere in the city - flared every 10 years or so  High crime rate But …  Cultural and political heart of England

The Globe Theatre  Opened in 1599  His success had made Shakespeare a rich man  He became one of the principal investors

Shakespeare wrote Comedies Tragedies Histories

Shakespeare’s Language Learned English at school and in church Spoke with Midlands/Warwickshire accent Spelling not fixed at that time - writers free to exploit its potential Created 3,000 new words

Shakespeare created many new words such as… Barefaced Advertising Pre-meditated Modest Vast Horrid

if you have ever said something or someone ‘vanished into thin air,’ refused to ‘budge an inch’ been ‘tongue-tied’ or ‘slept not one wink’ (not slept ) said that it was, ‘high time that something was done’ if you have ever had your teeth ‘set on edge’, said, ‘For goodness' sake!’ or ‘What the dickens!’ - you are quoting Shakespeare!

The end of his life  Returned to Stratford in 1610  Made money buying and selling land  Destruction of the Globe Theatre in 1613  In 1616 Shakespeare died on April, 23 (his birthday!)

Looking back  Shakespeare wrote 37 plays …  … and 154 sonnets…  … and an unknown number of long epic poems

Romeo and Juliet Considered a tragedy Love story about two young people who fell in love Their families were always quarrelling Juliet is to marry Paris a much older man Romeo and Juliet marry in secret Juliet takes a sleeping potion which makes her appear dead Sends message to Romeo which he does not receive Romeo thinks she is dead and kills himself Families reunite in grief at their loss