William “The Bard” Shakespeare Life and Times

Shakespeare the Man Born (approximately) April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon. AND WHAT’S TODAYS DATE?! AWESOME! Born (approximately) April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon. AND WHAT’S TODAYS DATE?! AWESOME! Son of John Shakespeare, a glove- maker and leading townsman, and Mary Arden, a farmer’s daughter. Son of John Shakespeare, a glove- maker and leading townsman, and Mary Arden, a farmer’s daughter. Studied Latin and Classical culture (evident in his writings). Studied Latin and Classical culture (evident in his writings). Married Anne Hathaway at age 18; gave birth to 8 children. Married Anne Hathaway at age 18; gave birth to 8 children. Left for London around 1586; acted and wrote there for most of his life. Left for London around 1586; acted and wrote there for most of his life. Fun Fact: Anne Hathaway was eight years older than Shakespeare and three months pregnant when they got married…an Elizabethan taboo. Fun Fact: Anne Hathaway was eight years older than Shakespeare and three months pregnant when they got married…an Elizabethan taboo. Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

Shakespeare the Actor, Playwright, and Poet Wrote and acted for the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later called the King’s Men under James I. Wrote and acted for the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later called the King’s Men under James I. Produced 37 plays (tragedies, histories, and comedies) and 154 sonnets. Produced 37 plays (tragedies, histories, and comedies) and 154 sonnets. Performed predominantly in the Globe Theatre in London. Performed predominantly in the Globe Theatre in London. Retired in 1610 and returned to Stratford. Retired in 1610 and returned to Stratford.

The First Folio Published in 1623, this contains 36 of Shakespeare’s plays. It is the first, and generally most definitive, collection of Shakespeare’s plays. Published in 1623, this contains 36 of Shakespeare’s plays. It is the first, and generally most definitive, collection of Shakespeare’s plays. Compiling the Folio required collecting and reviewing earlier editions of plays, actors’ prompts and notes, and drafts—Shakespeare was not present to verify the result. Compiling the Folio required collecting and reviewing earlier editions of plays, actors’ prompts and notes, and drafts—Shakespeare was not present to verify the result. 228 (of approx. 1000) First Folios are still in existence. The largest collection, 79 volumes, is housed in the Folger Library in Washington, D.C. 228 (of approx. 1000) First Folios are still in existence. The largest collection, 79 volumes, is housed in the Folger Library in Washington, D.C.

Shakespeare’s London During Elizabeth’s reign, London’s population would reach 200,000. It was a growing, economically and culturally rich city. During Elizabeth’s reign, London’s population would reach 200,000. It was a growing, economically and culturally rich city. Challenges: the plague, religious conflict, strict social hierarchy. Challenges: the plague, religious conflict, strict social hierarchy. Theatre-going society. All social classes attended—from the aristocracy to the working-class and often vulgar “groundlings.” Theatre-going society. All social classes attended—from the aristocracy to the working-class and often vulgar “groundlings.”

The Theatre, Julius Caesar First printed edition: 1597 (pirated). Written during the period when Shakespeare was writing his sonnets. First printed edition: 1597 (pirated). Written during the period when Shakespeare was writing his sonnets. Evidence suggests that the play was often performed by Shakespeare’s company during his lifetime. Evidence suggests that the play was often performed by Shakespeare’s company during his lifetime. The Lord Chamberlain’s Men performed a different play every day—theatre was thus very different from the way we know it today. The Lord Chamberlain’s Men performed a different play every day—theatre was thus very different from the way we know it today. Major differences: all-male companies, minimal props. Major differences: all-male companies, minimal props.

Sources “Othello” playbook. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre “Othello” playbook. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre “Google” image search, “Google” image search,

Break-Out Session! Quick! Get in groups of 3! Quick! Get in groups of 3! Raise your hand once your group is together. I will give you 1 artifact and “Investigative Report.” Raise your hand once your group is together. I will give you 1 artifact and “Investigative Report.” Spend 10 minutes analyzing your artifact and writing 1 group report. Spend 10 minutes analyzing your artifact and writing 1 group report. Be prepared to present your findings. Be prepared to present your findings.