The Life and Times of William Shakespeare

How much do you know about the 1500s? True or false? (just guess) Romeo and Juliet is a comedy. The poor people stood the closest to the stage as they watched Shakespeare’s plays. On stage, Shakespeare’s women characters were played by men. The Globe Theater had a roof and was well lit.

How much do you know? (continued) Bathing was considered unhealthy during the 1500s. People stopped eating tomatoes for almost four hundred years because they thought they were poisonous.

Just the Facts! Baptized in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England on April 26, 1564. (possibly born on April 23rd) Married Anne Hathaway and had three children—Susanna, Hamnet and Judith. Formed a theater company and became an owner of the Globe theater in 1599. Died April 23, 1616 Playwright, director, actor, and poet

Elizabethan England Female ruler- Queen Elizabeth English people believed in “Chain of Being” (men above women) Bubonic plague took 75,000 lives during Shakespeare’s lifetime (theatres were closed) Crime rate was high because poverty was high

Shakespeare’s Theatre NOISY!, counted on favorable weather Lower class would stand in the pit (area surrounding the stage) Spectators would throw things Actors had to speak loudly and exaggerate their words VIP’s got to sit right on the stage for the best view.

The Globe Theatre Held 2,500 people Was built in 1599 in London Before the Globe, rich people had plays performed in their homes. First level of stage: where all the action took place Second level: Gallery for balcony scenes Musicians sat in gallery to provide sound effects.

Shakespeare’s Language At the time, Shakespeare was writing in a language that was very new and not fully developed…English! Middle English period ended in 1500. Modern English took over after 1500. He wrote in prose and verse. The poor characters spoke in prose The rich, educated characters spoke in verse.

The 5 Act Structure of a Shakespearean Play Every Shakespeare play has 5 acts. Exposition (explanation of what has happened in the characters’ lives up until the point when the play starts) Rising Action: Conflict introduced, more character detail Climax: Determines the direction in which the play is going to turn.

More 5 Act Structure Falling action (Act IV): hero leaves, someone you haven’t seen since act one comes in, “comedic relief” Denouement: (Resolution) all loose ends get tied up, problems solved, tragic hero acknowledges his faults and takes responsibility for actions.

Define these literary terms using your textbooks: Exposition Pun Sonnet Iambic pentameter Blank verse Aside Couplets Monologue soliloquy

Characteristics of a tragedy and tragic hero: Generally high-born Must be “good” and have good intentions Must be true-to-life = “human” Must be consistent Exhibits tragic flaw(s) Experiences a reversal or fall Brings about his own downfall Evokes both pity and fear from the audience/reader

Romantic Tragedy Romeo and Juliet is the most popular romantic tragedy in the English-speaking world; it has been performed for approximately 400 years. Shakespeare’s concept of the “star-crossed lovers” has inspired composers, artists, and choreographers to create original works based on the play. Shakespeare did not invent the story of Romeo and Juliet. It was based on a long poem “The Tragicall History of Romeus and Juliet,” by Aurthur Brooke.