William Shakespeare Language Extraordinaire

Life and Death O Born around April 23, 1564 O Died around April 23, 1616 O Lived at Stratford-upon-Avon O Not much is known about Shakespeare’s early life. His birth and death dates are approximated – birth based on his April 26 th baptism.

Nicknamed the “Bard,” Shakespeare is responsible for approximately 38 plays and 154 sonnets. Shakespeare was a respected poet and playwright.

Marriage and Children O Shakespeare was married to Anne Hathaway when he was 18 and she was 26. She was two months pregnant with their first child. O Anne and William had three children and lived in Stratford-upon-Avon.

A Successful Actor and Playwright O At 49, Shakespeare became part owner of a play company called Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later known as The King’s Men. O He produced most of his major works between 1589 and 1613.

Politics in the theatre O Shakespeare avoided dabbling in politics O King Henry VIII caused turmoil regarding religion and the Catholic faith; daughter, Mary I of England, a.k.a. Bloody Mary, was a staunch Catholic; however, her sister Elizabeth was Protestant. Mary died of what is assumed to have been cancer and E-I took the throne. O Catholicism was not favorable in the eyes of the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I; therefore, Shakespeare avoided Catholic plots in his plays

Was Shakespeare really Shakespeare? Many critics argue that William Shakespeare might have been a pseudonym for someone interested in protecting his/her identity as a writer. Some speculations include schoolmates of WS, as well as Christopher Marlowe and even Queen Elizabeth I.

Friends and Fans Christopher Marlowe – contemporary of Shakespeare and influential playwright. Marlowe was thought to be a government spy and mysteriously died in 1593.

Friends and Fans Queen Elizabeth I – “Virgin” Queen of England First Protestant ruler of England, born to a long line of Catholics. Her father was King Henry VIII and her mother, Anne Boleyn. Her reign is known as the Elizabethan Era, a time famous for the flourishing of Elizabethan drama.

The Globe Theatre  Opened in 1599  Open air (no roof)  Round in shape and accommodated about 3,000 spectators  No artificial lighting  Burned in 1613

After it burned in 1613, The Globe was rebuilt the following year but closed in A modern version was opened in 1997, 750ft. from the original site. The Globe Theatre

Actors in Elizabethan theatre O Women were not allowed to become actors because it was considered improper and inappropriate; therefore, men played all parts, male and female, on stage. O Even plays such as Romeo and Juliet (primarily centered around romantic love and scandal) were acted with all male casts

Spectators in Elizabethan Theatre O Wealthy citizens were provided seats in the theatre. O Poor folks, termed “groundlings,” stood in the pit (right in front of the stage) to watch the shows. O Spectators feasted on Elizabethan “popcorn,” better known as hazelnuts. O When play goers became disgruntled, they often threw hazelnuts and other foods at the actors on stage.

Shakespeare Through the Years O Although well known during his career, Shakespeare and his works were not touted until the 19 th century (1800s) O Shakespeare is responsible for coining more than 1,500 words and phrases in the English language.

Popular Shakespearean Phrases O “All’s well that ends well” O “All the world’s a stage” O “All of a sudden” O “Good riddance” O “Heart’s content” O “Eaten out of house and home” O “In a pickle” O “Love is blind” O “Wear your heart on your sleeve” O “Up in arms” O “This is the short and the long of it” O “Wild goose chase”

Modern Twists on Shakespeare’s Plays O Shakespeare in Love O O Romeo and Juliet O O Twelfth Night (She’s the Man) O

Shakespeare in American Communities Shakespeare’s plays are performed all over the U.S. Many major cities, including Nashville, TN, have professional Shakespeare companies. “Shakespeare in the Park” performs in Centennial Park every summer. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $10.