Aim: How will knowing background information about Shakespeare help diminish our fears about reading one of his works? Do Now: Groups: Brainstorm – List as many words & phrases that you associate with William Shakespeare

1. EARLY LIFE  Assumed birth April 23,  Born and raised in Stratford- upon-Avon, England, a country market town.

Shakespeare’s Birth Place

2. 2. EDUCATION  Attended Petty School at age 5 (Learned ABC’s)  Free Grammar School until the age of 15 (Learned Latin and Classics) (Learned Latin and Classics)  Never attended University!

3. MARRIAGE & FAMILY  In 1582 – at 18, married Anne Hathaway, who was 8 yrs. older and pregnant. was 8 yrs. older and pregnant.  Three children:  Hamnet died at 11 years old. SusannaHamnetJudith

4. CAREER  Successful actor, playwright, director, and poet.  Shakespeare acted and staged many of his own plays.  He became a very wealthy man

4. CAREER  Moved to London  Joined an acting company, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men (During Queen Elizabeth )  Later changed to The King’s Men- (During King James I)

5. THEATRE  Shakespeare’s plays were performed in royal courts, private homes, churches, playhouses but …  Most of Shakespeare’s plays were performed in the open circular theatre, called the Globe.  S. also became part owner of the Globe.

THE GLOBE THEATRE Thatch Roof- caught fire during Henry VIII (1613) Open Yard the audience, called the groundlings stood in all weather – paid a penny in box – “box office.” They were a bawdy crowd Main Stage – 4’-5’ high so audience could not jump up

THE GLOBE THEATRE Flag – black for tragedy, white for comedy, and red for history. Galleries – 3 covered sections for additional Penny Capacity - able to house two to three thousand people Deconstruction - 30 yrs. after it was rebuilt it was after it was rebuilt it was torn down.

1999 Reconstructed Globe Theatre

The Heavens – ceiling over stage painted blue with golden stars.

Actual Performance

6. ACTORS  Women were not allowed to act on stage.  Often, young/teenage boys played women roles.  Must perform the role to the fullest.  200 yrs before S., women did perform on stage and were once again allowed on stage during Charles II (1660).

7. LATER IN LIFE  Retired from theatre.  Moved back to Stratford  ( )  Bought second largest home in Stratford, called “New Place.”

7. Died April 23, 1616  The same date as his supposed birth.  Buried in the same Church (Church of the Holy Trinity) where he was baptized in  How old was he when he died?   (52 yrs.old)

8-9. English Language  Old English ( )  Middle English ( )  Early Modern English ( )  Modern English (1550- present)

eowulf - The Funeral of Scyld Scefing im ða Scyld gewat to gescæphwile felahror feran on frean wære. Hi hyne þa ætbæron to brimes faroðe, swæse gesiþas, swa he selfa bæd, þenden wordum weold wine Scyldinga; leof landfruma lange ahte. Old English

Shakespeare’s Gravestone Good frend for Jesus sake forebeare, to digg the dust encloased heare, Bleste be ye man yet spares these stones, And curst be he yet moves my bones. Early Modern English

Macbeth  One of Shakespeare’s tragedies  First performed between  Material probably emanates from violence prevalent in 11 th century Scotland: Assasinations of kings Assasinations of kings Slaughter of whole armies, nobles and innocent families Slaughter of whole armies, nobles and innocent families Witches and wizards! Witches and wizards! Nearly four centuries later, it still appeals to audiences today.

What kind of dude would Shakespeare be today?

Pairs: Create timeline WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE TIMELINE

Why is Shakespeare’s language a struggle for you? What do the following mean? TMI OMG EMO ???

Summary What are reasons that you should WANT to read Shakespeare?

Homework   Read Reading Shakespeare’s Language pages xv – xvi   Quiz tomorrow on Shakespeare (classwork & HW reading)