Freewrite Are men more inherently prone to violence, particularly physical violence? Make an argument either way. What are the implications of your argument?

Shakespeare and Macbeth Mr. Moccia’s Honors/Pre-IB English II

Demystifying Shakespeare Did NOT write in Old English Beowulf is Old English Shakespeare wrote in Modern English Shakespeare’s plays were not written for the elite or “high- browed”

Brief Sketch of the Man Baptized 26 April 1564; died 23 April 1616 Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's preeminent dramatist His plays have been translated into every major living language, and are performed more often than those of any other playwright

Early Life and Marriage Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon At 18, he married Anne Hathaway, who bore him 3 children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith

Lost Years Between 1585 and 1592 is known as Shakespeare's "lost years“ What we do know: a few of his plays were on the London stage by 1592

Shakespeare in London By 1594, Shakespeare's plays were performed only by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a company owned by a group of players, including Shakespeare They soon became the leading playing company in London

The Globe In 1599, a partnership of company members built their own theatre on the south bank of the Thames, which they called the Globe

End of Life and Death 1607 on, he wrote few plays and probably spent most his time back home in Avon Died on 23 April 1616 and was survived by his wife and two daughters

Shakespeare’s Work Wrote major works that were exceptional in all four categories of drama: comedy, tragedy, romance, and history Later in life, some of these categories were mixed Poetry – a bunch of sonnets are his most famous

Why is Shakespeare Soo Good? Shakespeare was never “revered” in his lifetime, even if he received his share of praise Why he is NOT famous: His stories: he stole most of them (that was normal) So why…?

Here’s Why How he reinterpreted other people’s stories The power, clarity, and depth of his language and poetry The psychological depth of his characters The depth and breadth his stories explore issues, themes, and ideas

Approaches to Shakespeare Not Abstract Narrative is “normal” and comprehensive Characters are real, normal people Language expresses comprehensible ideas Language: some of the unknown language is simply a product of its time “Semantic drift” too Enjoyment Maturity of tastes

Approaches Continued Deciphering a Puzzle “Not my personal taste” is not an excuse for “not understanding” An honors class is about mastering language and not finding out what you like to read; these sorts of texts are awesome ways of pushing your abilities Avoid extremes: figuring out every word vs. giving up