"Good Night, Good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow." William Shakespeare "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet"

William Shakespeare Probably April 23, 1564 in Stratford- upon-Avon. Baptized on April 26, 1564. Married Anne Hathaway, who was pregnant with their daughter Susanna, at age 18. Had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet died at age 11. Began performing with the acting company the Lord Chamberlain’s Men (later called the King’s Men) in 1599. With business partners, constructed the Globe theatre. Wrote 37 plays and numerous sonnets. Died April 23, 1616.

The Globe Theater Reconstructed in the 1990s

In plays during this time… Only men were permitted to perform. Boys or effeminate men were used to play the women. Costumes were often the company’s most valuable asset. Costumes were made by the company, bought in London, or donated by courtiers

The Cost of a Show 1 shilling to stand 2 shillings to sit in the balcony 1 shilling was 10% of their weekly income

Tragedy

Tragedy A tragedy is a literary work depicting serious events in which the main character, who is often high-ranking and dignified, comes to an unhappy end.

Elements of Tragedy Tragic Hero Tragic Flaw, or Hamartia Catastrophe Hubris Catastrophe Catharsis

Tragic Hero “Man of high standard who falls from that high because of a flaw that has affected many” –Aristotle Protagonist A tragic hero is neither good nor evil to start. According to Aristotle, a tragic hero should have “a character between these two extremes- that of a man who is not preeminently good and just, yet whose misfortune is brought about not by vice or depravity, but by some error in judgment or frailty.”

Hamartia (Tragic Flaw) “The error of great frailty” through which the fortunes of the hero of a tragedy are reversed. Leads to the tragic hero’s downfall May be caused by poor judgment, bad character, inherited weakness, or any of several other possible causes of error Must express itself through a definite action, or failure to perform a definite action Example: Hubris-excessive pride or confidence

Catastrophe The conclusion of a tragic play The final stage in the falling action, ending the dramatic conflict, winding up the plot and consisting of the actions that result from the climax. Since it is usually used in connection with tragedy and involves the death of the tragic hero, it is sometimes used to designate an unhappy ending

Catharsis The purging of the emotions experienced by members of the audience Often, these emotions are pity and/or fear