Shakespeare Who is this guy and why do we still learn about him??

Life at the time of Shakespeare No running water. You had to haul it or draw it from a well…if you had one. Food – Summer and Fall were fine as you had fresh food. Winter to spring were the longest seasons as you had to store much of your own food. If you stored enough, you were fine. If you did not…. There were no refrigerators, or freezers or electricity… No sewers or indoor plumbing. Maybe you had an outhouse. Maybe you went in a “Chamber pot” and then tossed it out the window in the morning. Baths – What is that? Most people bathed, maybe once a month or so. There were some who thought it was a sin to bathe. People would wash their hands and face everyday. Seriously, it was so unsanitary that rats roamed the city. No one realized there was a connection between sanitation and disease yet. Between 1348 and 1666 there were 16 outbreaks of plague in the city of London.

Typical 17 th Century Sea Side village. Typical Town scene. Bedroom from that time period. Cooking for the family.

The rulers of England while Shakespeare lived. Queen Elizabeth IKing James I

Who is Shakespeare? Baptized April 26, 1564 (birth assumed April 23; believed—we don’t know! He was baptized on the 26 th, so if his family followed tradition, he was baptized at about three days of age). Baptized April 26, 1564 (birth assumed April 23; believed—we don’t know! He was baptized on the 26 th, so if his family followed tradition, he was baptized at about three days of age). Lived: Lived: Father: John—successful glove-maker & businessman. Father: John—successful glove-maker & businessman. Mother—Mary Arden, daughter of John’s landlord. Mother—Mary Arden, daughter of John’s landlord. Third of 8 kids in this family, and the oldest son. Third of 8 kids in this family, and the oldest son. Boyhood—no written evidence, however, probably attended Stratford Grammar School. Boyhood—no written evidence, however, probably attended Stratford Grammar School. 1582—married Anne Hathaway, 26, he was 18, 1582—married Anne Hathaway, 26, he was 18, they had to get married! they had to get married!

The Bard Daughter, Susanna, born Daughter, Susanna, born Twins—Hamnet and Judith, born, (Hamnet died, 1596, age 11, possibly of the plague, very tragic!) Twins—Hamnet and Judith, born, (Hamnet died, 1596, age 11, possibly of the plague, very tragic!) 1588 – believed to have arrived in London – believed to have arrived in London – Bill had been up to something, because he was attacked by English Dramatist Robert Greene in his book Groat’s Worth of Wit. “..an upstart crow…” 1592 – Bill had been up to something, because he was attacked by English Dramatist Robert Greene in his book Groat’s Worth of Wit. “..an upstart crow…” 1593 – Had two poems published (The first thing he ever had published) because the theatres were closed due to plague – Had two poems published (The first thing he ever had published) because the theatres were closed due to plague. 1594, part owner and principle playwright of Lord Chamberlain’s Men, most prestigious acting company in London. 1594, part owner and principle playwright of Lord Chamberlain’s Men, most prestigious acting company in London (December)– Bill’s first play performed; A Comedy of Errors. This after the theatres opened up again after being closed for almost TWO YEARS (December)– Bill’s first play performed; A Comedy of Errors. This after the theatres opened up again after being closed for almost TWO YEARS. 1599, company built The Globe Theatre, most of Will’s plays were performed there. 1599, company built The Globe Theatre, most of Will’s plays were performed there.

Shakespeare’s London: about 200,000 people lived here. Today there are over 7,000,000 people in London and its suburbs. The walled city was about one square mile along the Thames River.

This is a satellite picture of London at night. The City of London covers a little over 600 square miles. That is an area that is about 24 miles square.

The Shakes-man Lord Chamberlain’s Men boasted the best acting company; the best actor, Richard Burbage, and the Lord Chamberlain’s Men boasted the best acting company; the best actor, Richard Burbage, and the finest playwright; William Shakespeare. finest playwright; William Shakespeare. 1603, King James I, took control of the Company after Elizabeth I died. He paid it the highest tribute by renaming it, The King’s Men and personally “backing” or sponsoring it. 1603, King James I, took control of the Company after Elizabeth I died. He paid it the highest tribute by renaming it, The King’s Men and personally “backing” or sponsoring it. Shakespeare, a major stockholder, continued to write and act in plays for the company. Shakespeare, a major stockholder, continued to write and act in plays for the company.

William’s way 1594 – 1610 William wrote plays. He never earned a dime off a play. He made his $$ by being part owner of the theatre and the performing company. He bought several properties – 1610 William wrote plays. He never earned a dime off a play. He made his $$ by being part owner of the theatre and the performing company. He bought several properties. 1610, retired to Stratford, a successful playwright, actor, and businessman. 1610, retired to Stratford, a successful playwright, actor, and businessman. Died, April 23, 1616, age 52 (if scholars are correct, on his Birthday!) Cause of death, unknown. But a report in the Holy Trinity Church indicates he may have had a wee too much to drink the night before. “died of a fever … contracted after a night of drinking with Ben Jonson and Michael Drayton, friends and fellow writers.” Died, April 23, 1616, age 52 (if scholars are correct, on his Birthday!) Cause of death, unknown. But a report in the Holy Trinity Church indicates he may have had a wee too much to drink the night before. “died of a fever … contracted after a night of drinking with Ben Jonson and Michael Drayton, friends and fellow writers.” Susanna inherited the bulk of the estate. His other daughter Judith received 300 pounds (There is a story here…). Susanna had one child, Elizabeth, who died childless. Judith had three sons, none lived to have children. This means there are NO living descendants of William Shakespeare! Susanna inherited the bulk of the estate. His other daughter Judith received 300 pounds (There is a story here…). Susanna had one child, Elizabeth, who died childless. Judith had three sons, none lived to have children. This means there are NO living descendants of William Shakespeare! Shakespeare’s Signature on his will.

The Shakespeare Family Shakespeare’s granddaughter, Elizabeth

…a Willing way….. Wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets. He is profoundly influential in Western Literature and Culture. Why? Because he took a language without meaning and by using words and phrases, gave our English Language much of the meaning it has today. He also wrote plays and poems which caused the reader or audience to think. Unheard of at the time. Wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets. He is profoundly influential in Western Literature and Culture. Why? Because he took a language without meaning and by using words and phrases, gave our English Language much of the meaning it has today. He also wrote plays and poems which caused the reader or audience to think. Unheard of at the time. Shakespeare’s plays were performed at the courts of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I more frequently than those of any other dramatist of that time. Shakespeare’s plays were performed at the courts of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I more frequently than those of any other dramatist of that time. He is considered the Greatest English writer and master of characterization. He is considered the Greatest English writer and master of characterization. Plays are still produced, read, and studied, etc. 400 years later. Plays are still produced, read, and studied, etc. 400 years later.

His Plays are divided into three categories. Comedies Comedies All's Well That Ends Well As You Like It Comedy of Errors Love's Labour's Lost Measure for Measure Merchant of Venice Merry Wives of Windsor Midsummer Night's Dream Much Ado about Nothing Taming of the Shrew Tempest Twelfth Night Two Gentlemen of Verona Winter's Tale All's Well That Ends Well As You Like It Comedy of Errors Love's Labour's Lost Measure for Measure Merchant of Venice Merry Wives of Windsor Midsummer Night's Dream Much Ado about Nothing Taming of the Shrew Tempest Twelfth Night Two Gentlemen of Verona Winter's Tale

Next…. Histories Histories Cymbeline Henry IV, Part I Henry IV, Part II Henry V Henry VI, Part I Henry VI, Part II Henry VI, Part III Henry VIII King John Pericles Richard II Richard III Cymbeline Henry IV, Part I Henry IV, Part II Henry V Henry VI, Part I Henry VI, Part II Henry VI, Part III Henry VIII King John Pericles Richard II Richard III Cymbeline Henry IV, Part I Henry IV, Part II Henry V Henry VI, Part I Henry VI, Part II Henry VI, Part III Henry VIII King John Pericles Richard II Richard III Cymbeline Henry IV, Part I Henry IV, Part II Henry V Henry VI, Part I Henry VI, Part II Henry VI, Part III Henry VIII King John Pericles Richard II Richard III

One more… Tragedies Tragedies Antony and Cleopatra Coriolanus Hamlet Julius Caesar King Lear Macbeth Othello Romeo and Juliet Timon of Athens Titus Andronicus Troilus and Cressida Antony and Cleopatra Coriolanus Hamlet Julius Caesar King Lear Macbeth Othello Romeo and Juliet Timon of Athens Titus Andronicus Troilus and Cressida Antony and Cleopatra Coriolanus Hamlet Julius Caesar King Lear Macbeth Othello Romeo and Juliet Timon of Athens Titus Andronicus Troilus and Cressida Antony and Cleopatra Coriolanus Hamlet Julius Caesar King Lear Macbeth Othello Romeo and Juliet Timon of Athens Titus Andronicus Troilus and Cressida

The Elizabethan Stage “Elizabethan” after Queen Elizabeth The Globe was an “open air” theatre that held about 3000 spectators—the “wooden o” concept. The Globe was an “open air” theatre that held about 3000 spectators—the “wooden o” concept. It was built across the River Thames so it was ‘outside’ of town. Beyond the City Council’s ability to control it. There were many who did not like the theatres; the authorities did not like crowds, and many people feared crowds spread the plague! It was built across the River Thames so it was ‘outside’ of town. Beyond the City Council’s ability to control it. There were many who did not like the theatres; the authorities did not like crowds, and many people feared crowds spread the plague! Performances were every day but Sunday from 2 to 5 in the afternoon. Performances were every day but Sunday from 2 to 5 in the afternoon. A raised flag and a trumpet fanfare proclaimed a show at 2—black-tragedy, white- comedy, & red-history. A raised flag and a trumpet fanfare proclaimed a show at 2—black-tragedy, white- comedy, & red-history. As patrons entered the theatre, they would drop their admission into a box—hence “box office”. As patrons entered the theatre, they would drop their admission into a box—hence “box office”. Vendors offered beer, water, oranges, nuts, gingerbread, and apples, all of which were occasionally thrown at the actors. Hazelnuts were the most popular snack … the Elizabethan equivalent of Raisinets. Vendors offered beer, water, oranges, nuts, gingerbread, and apples, all of which were occasionally thrown at the actors. Hazelnuts were the most popular snack … the Elizabethan equivalent of Raisinets.

The Stage, continued… There were no restrooms for 3000 people, nor intermissions, There were no restrooms for 3000 people, nor intermissions, remember… few Elizabethans bathed regularly! remember… few Elizabethans bathed regularly! There was no producer or director; the actors were in complete control of the production. There was no producer or director; the actors were in complete control of the production. Scenery and props were minimal. Actors described the setting through dialogue. Scenery and props were minimal. Actors described the setting through dialogue. Costumes were elaborate, spangled affairs of gold, lace, silk and velvet in styles of the day. Costumes were elaborate, spangled affairs of gold, lace, silk and velvet in styles of the day. Actors wore make-up, an abomination to the Puritans! Actors wore make-up, an abomination to the Puritans!

The Globe

A cutaway look at the Globe

The Globe ….Stage

More on The Globe Women were forbidden to act on the public stage, thus, female roles were played by prepubescent boys! (Yes! Juliet was a boy!) Women were forbidden to act on the public stage, thus, female roles were played by prepubescent boys! (Yes! Juliet was a boy!) Rehearsal time was minimal. Actors learned their parts in about a week. A leading man might have to memorize 800 lines a day. Rehearsal time was minimal. Actors learned their parts in about a week. A leading man might have to memorize 800 lines a day. A leading man would learn and retain over 70 roles in three years. A leading man would learn and retain over 70 roles in three years.

The Globe shines on… Like most other playhouses, The Globe had its own company, which was under the patronage of a nobleman. Like most other playhouses, The Globe had its own company, which was under the patronage of a nobleman. Plays belonged to the acting company and not to the playwright. Shakespeare didn’t own or have any right to publish his own plays. His plays weren’t published until after his death. Plays belonged to the acting company and not to the playwright. Shakespeare didn’t own or have any right to publish his own plays. His plays weren’t published until after his death. The patron system grew out of the Puritan city fathers’ decision not to permit a “masterless” man, regarded as “unemployed” and a threat to law and order. The patron system grew out of the Puritan city fathers’ decision not to permit a “masterless” man, regarded as “unemployed” and a threat to law and order.

The Globe….Inside

The Globe meets its “match”… The Globe burned down in 1613, when a prop cannon exploded during the first-night performance of Henry VIII. One man’s breeches were set afire —and were doused with beer. The only other casualty was the playhouse itself; needless to say, the play had a short run. The Globe burned down in 1613, when a prop cannon exploded during the first-night performance of Henry VIII. One man’s breeches were set afire —and were doused with beer. The only other casualty was the playhouse itself; needless to say, the play had a short run. After 70 years, the Puritans at last triumphed. In August 1642, Parliament passed an ordinance that shut down all the theatres. After 70 years, the Puritans at last triumphed. In August 1642, Parliament passed an ordinance that shut down all the theatres.

The Globe shall rise again. In February,1989, archaeologists found the remains of The Rose playhouse, Shakespeare’s original theatre. Then, on October 12 th, they unearthed The Globe. In February,1989, archaeologists found the remains of The Rose playhouse, Shakespeare’s original theatre. Then, on October 12 th, they unearthed The Globe. The Globe may have had as many as 20 sides because it took so many to make it look circular. The Globe may have had as many as 20 sides because it took so many to make it look circular. The Globe that was found was a combination of the 1 st one which burned down in 1613 AND the 2 nd, which was rebuilt on the same site and pulled down in 1644 when all the theatres closed. The Globe that was found was a combination of the 1 st one which burned down in 1613 AND the 2 nd, which was rebuilt on the same site and pulled down in 1644 when all the theatres closed. For many years, Sam Wanamaker battled for the right to rebuild The Globe near its original Southwark site. At times, the fight mirrored a Shakespearean play—hostile city fathers, prejudices For many years, Sam Wanamaker battled for the right to rebuild The Globe near its original Southwark site. At times, the fight mirrored a Shakespearean play—hostile city fathers, prejudices against actors, and restrictions over land use. In the end, the ‘new’ Globe was built about 200 yards from the original site. against actors, and restrictions over land use. In the end, the ‘new’ Globe was built about 200 yards from the original site.

The Gate of the New Globe

The Power of William His contemporary Ben Jonson declared him “not of an age, but for all time.” His contemporary Ben Jonson declared him “not of an age, but for all time.” Although his works were regularly staged in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, theater companies hardly treated his plays with reverence. When they performed the plays, they most often used versions rewritten for the fashions of the age, “purged”—as their adaptors maintained—of their coarseness and absurdities. Although his works were regularly staged in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, theater companies hardly treated his plays with reverence. When they performed the plays, they most often used versions rewritten for the fashions of the age, “purged”—as their adaptors maintained—of their coarseness and absurdities. The views of the romantic movement have in many ways been cemented during the 20th century. Institutions such as the Folger Shakespeare Library, established in the United States in 1932, and the Royal Shakespeare Company, founded in Britain in 1961, have ensured that Shakespeare’s work remains a central icon of Western culture. The views of the romantic movement have in many ways been cemented during the 20th century. Institutions such as the Folger Shakespeare Library, established in the United States in 1932, and the Royal Shakespeare Company, founded in Britain in 1961, have ensured that Shakespeare’s work remains a central icon of Western culture.

The Final Curtain Shakespeare can be enjoyed all over the world. There are many festivals and companies which produce wonderful performances: Shakespeare can be enjoyed all over the world. There are many festivals and companies which produce wonderful performances: The Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon The Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon The New Globe Theatre, London The New Globe Theatre, London The New York Shakespeare Festival The New York Shakespeare Festival The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, Oregon The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, Oregon The Utah Shakespeare Festival, Cedar City, Utah The Utah Shakespeare Festival, Cedar City, Utah The Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Stratford, Ontario, Canada The Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Stratford, Ontario, Canada Your Local Theater! Your Local Theater! The Cinema! The Cinema!

Shakespeare’s Homes today His Birth Home His “New Place”

Shakespeare in Love – One of many movies…

More Shakespeare movies

Why study this guy?!?! Examples of Shakespeare’s genius include: the richness of his literary devices; the compelling drama of his plots; the penetrating nature of his characterizations; the universal interest and appeal in his dialogs and monologues; his delightful sense of humor; his enduring wisdom and wit; and his many famous, unforgettable lines. Examples of Shakespeare’s genius include: the richness of his literary devices; the compelling drama of his plots; the penetrating nature of his characterizations; the universal interest and appeal in his dialogs and monologues; his delightful sense of humor; his enduring wisdom and wit; and his many famous, unforgettable lines. Given the magnitude of his contribution, it is no wonder that E.D. Hirsch, well known cultural literacy professor from the University of Virginia, insists that a healthy knowledge of Shakespeare is essential to a basic, “cultural literacy.” Given the magnitude of his contribution, it is no wonder that E.D. Hirsch, well known cultural literacy professor from the University of Virginia, insists that a healthy knowledge of Shakespeare is essential to a basic, “cultural literacy.”

Why learn about him??? We study Shakespeare because; We study Shakespeare because; He tells us so much about human nature. This is probably one of the major He tells us so much about human nature. This is probably one of the major reasons why Shakespeare's plays are still watched and studied. If the things he reasons why Shakespeare's plays are still watched and studied. If the things he wrote about were not the perennial aspects of human nature, we wouldn't be wrote about were not the perennial aspects of human nature, we wouldn't be interested in watching the plays any more. interested in watching the plays any more. He reveals to us so much about our own natures. This fits in with the above. He reveals to us so much about our own natures. This fits in with the above. Because we recognize so much about ourselves and understand ourselves better Because we recognize so much about ourselves and understand ourselves better when we watch and read Shakespeare, we go on doing so through the ages. when we watch and read Shakespeare, we go on doing so through the ages. He is a brilliant dramatist. Shakespeare might have lots of profound things to say He is a brilliant dramatist. Shakespeare might have lots of profound things to say to us, but we wouldn't watch the plays unless they worked as drama. The to us, but we wouldn't watch the plays unless they worked as drama. The experience of watching the plays is entertaining and spectacular as well as experience of watching the plays is entertaining and spectacular as well as revealing many things about life to us. revealing many things about life to us. He is a great poet. The plays are full of memorable passages of poetry, which He is a great poet. The plays are full of memorable passages of poetry, which along with all Shakespeare's other achievements, contributes to the enduring along with all Shakespeare's other achievements, contributes to the enduring success of his plays. success of his plays.

More?? And here’s still another way of looking at it: And here’s still another way of looking at it: People who have studied Shakespeare: People who have studied Shakespeare: Have a broader view of the world in general. Have a broader view of the world in general. Have little trouble in other literature classes. Have little trouble in other literature classes. Do well in logic and philosophy. Do well in logic and philosophy. Appreciate other art forms as well: music, drama, art, costume, writing. Appreciate other art forms as well: music, drama, art, costume, writing. Have an easier time grasping the concepts of character, plot, irony, universal truth, advanced vocabulary, etc. Have an easier time grasping the concepts of character, plot, irony, universal truth, advanced vocabulary, etc. Understand concepts in clear speaking. Understand concepts in clear speaking. Have a broader view of important historical events. Have a broader view of important historical events. Have a greater understanding of human nature (greed, faithfulness, love, power, gentleness, poor choices, honesty, integrity, popularity, danger, patriotism, selfishness, self-sacrifice, etc.) Have a greater understanding of human nature (greed, faithfulness, love, power, gentleness, poor choices, honesty, integrity, popularity, danger, patriotism, selfishness, self-sacrifice, etc.)

Why was this guy a genius?? The English language owes a great debt to Shakespeare. He invented over 1700 of our common words by changing nouns into verbs, changing verbs into adjectives, connecting words never before used together, adding prefixes and suffixes, and devising words wholly original.The English language owes a great debt to Shakespeare. He invented over 1700 of our common words by changing nouns into verbs, changing verbs into adjectives, connecting words never before used together, adding prefixes and suffixes, and devising words wholly original.

Here are some of the words attributed to Bill… Academe, Accused, Addiction, advertising, amazement, arouse, assassination, backing, Bandit, bedroom, beached, besmirch, birthplace, blanket, bloodstained, barefaced, Blushing, bet, bump, buzzer, caked, cater, champion, circumstantial, cold-blooded, Compromise, courtship, countless, critic, dauntless, dawn, deafening, discontent, dishearten, drugged, dwindle, epileptic, equivocal, elbow, excitement, exposure, eyeball, fashionable, fixture, flawed, frugal, generous, gloomy, gossip, green-eyed, gust, hint, hobnob, hurried, impede, impartial, invulnerable, jaded, label, lackluster, laughable, lonely, lower, luggage, lustrous, madcap, majestic, marketable, metamorphize, mimic, Monumental, moonbeam, mountaineer, negotiate, noiseless, obscene, obsequiously, ode, Olympian, outbreak, panders, pedant, premeditated, puking, radiance, rant, remorseless, savagery, scuffle, secure, skim milk, submerge, summit, swagger, torture, tranquil, undress, unreal, varied, vaulting, worthless, zany Academe, Accused, Addiction, advertising, amazement, arouse, assassination, backing, Bandit, bedroom, beached, besmirch, birthplace, blanket, bloodstained, barefaced, Blushing, bet, bump, buzzer, caked, cater, champion, circumstantial, cold-blooded, Compromise, courtship, countless, critic, dauntless, dawn, deafening, discontent, dishearten, drugged, dwindle, epileptic, equivocal, elbow, excitement, exposure, eyeball, fashionable, fixture, flawed, frugal, generous, gloomy, gossip, green-eyed, gust, hint, hobnob, hurried, impede, impartial, invulnerable, jaded, label, lackluster, laughable, lonely, lower, luggage, lustrous, madcap, majestic, marketable, metamorphize, mimic, Monumental, moonbeam, mountaineer, negotiate, noiseless, obscene, obsequiously, ode, Olympian, outbreak, panders, pedant, premeditated, puking, radiance, rant, remorseless, savagery, scuffle, secure, skim milk, submerge, summit, swagger, torture, tranquil, undress, unreal, varied, vaulting, worthless, zany