Introduction to Shakespeare A Genius from Stratford William Shakespeare 1564-1616

William Shakespeare’s childhood Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April of 1564 Parents, John and Mary, were middle-class. John was a glove maker.

William Shakespeare’s childhood Attended King Edward’s Grammar School in Stratford right around the corner from his childhood home. Shakespeare left school at 14. He never had any other formal schooling.

William Shakespeare’s Stratford Will is remembered fondly in Stratford. (He is the town’s most significant tourist attraction!) His work is commemorated with statues in the town’s park on the River Avon. (above) The River Avon (right) Statue of Hamlet; represents knowledge (far right) Lady Macbeth’s statue symbolizes tragedy; Shakespeare shown in background.

William Shakespeare’s family Married Anne Hathaway in 1582. Will was 18. They had three children: Susanna, and twins Judith and Hamnet Sonnet 145 was written to Anne

William Shakespeare in London From 1585 to 1592, not much is known about Shakespeare’s life. He had established himself as a writer and actor by age 27. Sometime from age 18 to 28, he traveled to London. His plays demonstrated knowledge of law, politics, history, the Bible and Greek mythology. During the time Will lived in London, it is thought that he probably stayed in Taverns and wrote at the bar.

William Shakespeare’s supporter Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled England from 1558 to 1603, was a fan of Will’s plays. The arts flourished under her reign. Catherine of Aragon Anne Boylyn King Henry 8 Mary Tudor Elizabeth

William Shakespeare remembered London is full of references to Will’s work. Westminster Abbey has a statue in honor of Shakespeare in a transept called “Poet’s Corner.” Shakespeare was careful to show respect for Queen Elizabeth – he could be hung for displeasing her!

William Shakespeare’s Globe Shakespeare’s actors (Chamberlain’s Men) needed a better playhouse when their current theatre was in disrepair. All actors were male. In 1598, The Globe Theatre was built.

William Shakespeare’s later years Will left London and returned to Stratford in 1610. He was widely known as an accomplished actor and playwright. They lived at what is now called “New Place” in Stratford.

William Shakespeare’s death Will died in Stratford on April 23, 1616. This date is celebrated as his birth date as well. He is buried at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. His tombstone reads “Good friend, for Jesus sake forebear to dig the dust enclosed here. Blest be the man who spares these stones and curst be he who moves my bones.”

Common values in Shakespeare’s plays Sin and Salvation Linked to the Garden of Eden from Christian beliefs Characters have the natural urge to sin Since man SINS, he should seek SALVATION Seeking salvation is important – but one must actually BE SORRY for the wrongful act

Common values in Shakespeare’s plays Guest/Host Relationship Hospitality was expected Guests were to respect their hosts Idea seen as early as Homer’s The Odyssey

Common values in Shakespeare’s plays Shakespeare’s plays passed on the values of the society; they also poked fun at human nature Enforced the thought that everyone had a role to play in society Roles must be enforced for the survival of the group Any upset in the chain and bad things happen! Illusion vs. Reality Characters often appear to be something they are not!

Shakespeare’s tragedies as a form Tragedy: a play in which there is a violation of the ethical norm (“moral law”) Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear, Hamlet Character violates the law and becomes isolated from his/her society This disrupts the community’s order (ECB!)

Understanding Shakespeare’s plays Soliloquy: “to speak alone” Must be done so the audience can see into a character’s mind Often used in times of great stress Aside: short, quick comment to one’s self Comic relief: characters low on the ECB are used to make audience laugh after stressful scenes

Understanding Shakespeare’s plays Prologue: spoken piece before the play Actor who speaks is called the chorus Usually asks audience to forgive or accept the playwright’s “poor efforts.” Summarizes entire play! Epilogue: spoken piece after the play That’s it! 

Family Feud Prince Escalus of Verona Capulet Montague Juliet Romeo Lord Capulet – father Lady Capulet – mother Tybalt –cousin Nurse – servant/friend Peter – Nurse’s servant Sampson & Gregory – servants Paris – suitor/relative of Prince Montague Romeo Lord Montague – father Lady Montague – mother Benvolio – cousin/friend Mercutio – friend Friar Laurence – counselor Abraham & Balthasar – servants

The Chorus -predicts -comments -ties together -summarizes/clarifies -makes a point

A Few Themes The destructiveness of impulsive behavior The destructiveness of hate The power of fate The need for reason and order The power of love The ironies of life Older vs. younger generation

Romeo and Juliet Timeline Sunday: Romeo is depressed, so his friends talk him into going to a party. Late Sunday night, early Monday morning he swears his love to Juliet & they decide to get married. Monday: The time & place for the wedding is set & they get married. Tybalt kills Mercutio & Romeo kills Tybalt. Romeo is banished. Romeo & Juliet have their wedding night. Tuesday: The Capulets tell Juliet she must marry Paris. Juliet takes the potion before bed. Wednesday: Paris finds Juliet “dead.” Juliet’s funeral takes place. Romeo gets word she is dead and kills himself.