William Shakespeare The “be-all and end-all” of dramatists CLICK ON SPEAKER TO HEAR SOUND

CHILDHOOD Born in Stratford-upon-Avon Son of a glove-maker Grammar school education (6am-6pm) boys studied Latin:Cicero,Virgil,Ovid, and Seneca Developed a vocabulary more than 50,000 words His writing reveals a knowledge of a wide variety of subjects:Music, law, seamanship, the Bible, military science, the stage art, politics, history, psychology, hunting, woodcraft, animal husbandry, and sports

ADULTHOOD At 18 he married Ann Hathaway who was 26. Lord Chamberlain’s Men. In 1592 and 1594, the theatres of London were closed the plague. He wrote poetry; considered himself a better poet than playwright. His works have been translated into more languages than any book besides the Bible

Shakespeare and Language: English language was rapidly growing; new words and phrases No dictionaries or grammar books; Will coined many words himself: Assassination, courtship, critic, critical, disgraceful, dishearten, distrustful,dwindle,eventful, exposure, fretful, gloomy, lonely, misplaced, recall, monumental, suspicious

Shakespeare the Playwright: Wrote a total of 36 plays Known for having written Histories: Henry Iv Comedies: Much Ado About Nothing Tragedies: Hamlet, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet He borrowed most of his plots from other sources and wasn’t always faithful to historical accuracy

Did he or didn’t he? Debate about author of Shakespeare's plays Possible authors: Francis Bacon, Christopher Marlowe or Edward De vere However, Shakespeare's authorship not questioned in Shakespeare’s time Folios written long after plays had been shown many times

His Audiences: Audiences were enthralled by language An auditory—not visual—audience. Those who could pay more sat in the seats surrounding the stage. The poorer crowd stood as “groundings” and paid a penny for admittance. All social classes, attended the plays Playwrights had the challenge of keeping everyone entertained.

Shakespeare's themes Shakespeare’s crowd enjoyed viewing: Supernatural spirits, instant madness, and realistic dueling tales of monarchy’s intrigues powerful characters in splendid costumes

Active Audiences Shakespeare’s audiences were active throughout the performances The actors addressed the audience, and members of the audience often spoke back Norrie Epstein claims that “the average Elizabethan yelled, hooted, snacked, and chatted.”

Environment History suggests that play going was most likely a smelly experience There were no bathrooms People relieved themselves inside People rarely bathed

The Theatre: Awnings covered the stage and gallery seats. Not in the city of London, but on the South Bank of Thames. In 1574 public plays banished from the city by an ordinance for “corruptions of the youth and other enormities” (opportunities for prostitutes and thieves)

The Performances: Performances took place between two and five in the afternoon Advertising of plays was prohibited a raised flag and a trumpet fanfare announced the beginning of the performance A black flag meant tragedy, a white flag, a comedy, and a red flag, history

Performances cont…. Vendors sold beer, water, oranges, nuts, gingerbread, and apples Up to 30 plays were performed in 1 season customarily the program changed daily.

Scenery was simple– Audiences had to use their imaginations Instead of lighting technicians and panel,Horatio in Hamlet says, “But look, the morn is russet mantle clad Walks o’er the dew of yon high eastward hill.”

Scenery cont….. Elaborate and extravagant costumes, often donated by aristocratic patrons Musical accompaniment All parts played by males (prepubescent choir boys played female parts)