“Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare “…and turn you from a wild Kate…”

What is the difference between drama and other literature? Def: A story acted out, usually on a stage, by actors and actresses –though not during Shakespeare’s time—who take the parts of specific characters. Drama is much more a partnership between the writer and actors/director than any other form of literature. Drama is meant to be seen not read.

Two Types of Acting: Directed acting: In this form of acting, a director dictates that actions and movements of the actor. The play/film is the creation of the director. Method Acting: In this form of acting the actor becomes a character. The actor understands what the character’s emotions at any given point are and calls on those emotions in order to portray the character to the audience. Good Shakespearean actors are masters of Method Acting.

Unique Elements in Drama Drama generally leaves less to the imagination than other forms of literature. Set design. Set design. Costumes. Costumes. Annunciation. Annunciation. Character movements. Character movements. Are all dictated by the actors/director/writer far more in drama than in other forms of literature. Ironically, Shakespeare gives us very little direction in this area.

-Shakespeare Focus Questions- How could Shakespeare’s audience have understood his plays better than we do? How could Shakespeare’s audience have understood his plays better than we do? Why does Shakespeare write in the way he does? Why does Shakespeare write in the way he does? What makes a comedy, tragedy, or a history for Shakespeare? What makes a comedy, tragedy, or a history for Shakespeare?

Shakespeare Life and Times Born: 1564 Died: 1616 Born: 1564 Died: 1616 Born and Lived in Stratford-upon-Avon Born and Lived in Stratford-upon-Avon Married Anne Hathaway (1582) had twins in Sometime between 1585 and 1592 moved to London to work in Theater. Lived in London for most of the next 20 years. Married Anne Hathaway (1582) had twins in Sometime between 1585 and 1592 moved to London to work in Theater. Lived in London for most of the next 20 years.

His Plays 38 plays can be certainly attributed to Shakespeare. 38 plays can be certainly attributed to Shakespeare. 14 Comedies (End in Marriages) 14 Comedies (End in Marriages) 10 Tragedies (End in Death) 10 Tragedies (End in Death) 10 Histories (Most dealing with The War of the Roses) 10 Histories (Most dealing with The War of the Roses) 4 Romances (Based on Romantic/Epic Poems) 4 Romances (Based on Romantic/Epic Poems) Likely wrote three others. Likely wrote three others. All his plays center on a central question and explore this throughout. All his plays center on a central question and explore this throughout. Henry V: What makes a good king? Henry V: What makes a good king? Romeo and Juliet: Love or Lust? Romeo and Juliet: Love or Lust? Merchant of Venice: The Corrupting Influences of Money. Merchant of Venice: The Corrupting Influences of Money.

Shakespeare’s Language… Shakespeare did not write in “Old English.” Old English is the Language of Beowolf. Hwæt. We Gardena in gear-dagum, þeodcyninga, þrym gefrunon, hu ða æþelingas ellen fremedon. What. We of the Spear-Danes in old days of the people-kings, power heard, how the princes brave deeds did.Click Above for Old- English

Shakespeare’s Language Cont… Shakespeare did not write in “Middle English.” Middle English is the language of Chaucer. Whan that Aprill, with his shoures soote The droghte of March hath perced to the roote And bathed every veyne in swich licour, Of which vertu engendred is the flour… Thanne longen folk to goon on pilgrimages. When in April the sweet showers fall That pierce March's drought to the root and all And bathed every vein in liquor that has power To generate therein and sire the flower… Then folk do long to go on pilgrimage. Click for Middle English

Shakespeare’s Language Cont… Shakespeare wrote in Early Modern English. Shakespeare “Coined” many words we still use today: Critical Majestic Dwindle He also gave us many common phrases: One fell swoop. Flesh and blood. Vanish into thin air. His language was understood by the lowest peasant and highest nobility. Shakespeare’s Language is affected by his audience and world.

Can I understand Shakespeare’s Language? Remember: People are people are people. Refer to the “I don’t understand Shakespeare” Sheet

Elizabethan Theater No Electricity No Electricity Open Roof Open Roof No women allowed on stage No women allowed on stage Minimal costumes and props. Minimal costumes and props. The Globe Controls the language!

Example of This But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she. Remember Its light out. Juliet is played by a boy. The grey-eyed morn smiles on the frowning night, Chequering the eastern clouds with streaks of light, And flecked darkness like a drunkard reels From forth day’s path and Titan’s fiery wheels: Now, ere the sun advance his burning eye, The day to cheer and night’s dank dew to dry Remember: No Roof, the Balcony scene was just done in daylight.

How Could Shakespeare’s Audience Understand? Shakespeare NEVER created an original story. Shakespeare NEVER created an original story. Instead he retold old stories, audiences wanted to see what twists he would add to their old favorites. Instead he retold old stories, audiences wanted to see what twists he would add to their old favorites. When reading Shakespeare, you should familiarize yourself with the story before you begin. When reading Shakespeare, you should familiarize yourself with the story before you begin.

The Story… Baptista and his daughters Baptista and his daughters Bianca Bianca Katharina Katharina The Elderly gents The Elderly gents Hortensio Hortensio Gremio Gremio

From out of town… Lucentio and his “gang” Lucentio and his “gang” Tranio Tranio Biondello Biondello Petruchio and his main man Grumio Petruchio and his main man Grumio

Essential Drama Terminology Allusion Allusion Aside Aside Dramatic irony Dramatic irony Exeunt Exeunt Situational Irony Situational Irony Hyperbole Hyperbole Omission Omission Rhetorical question Rhetorical question Refrain Refrain Monologue Monologue Oxymoron Oxymoron Pun Pun