William Shakespeare “The Bard” April 23, 1564 – April 23, 1616

Early Life Stratford-Upon-Avon, England (100 miles NW of London)

Early Life School Family Life Attended school from ages 7-12 Self-educated – no college Family Life Married Anne Hathaway Had three kids

London Life Shakespeare the Actor Moved to London in the 1580s Was an actor and writer A playwright (WRIGHT = Maker of…) 38 plays in all, including Hamlet, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing, King Lear, Midsummer Night’s Dream

London Life Shakespeare the Poet Bubonic Plague (“Black Death”) closed the theatres Shakespeare turned to poetry – wrote famous sonnets and long poems

The Globe Theatre The most famous English theatre Shakespeare’s plays were performed here Note the shape and openness Called the “Wooden O”

The Globe Theatre Affordable for all Groundlings Versatile actors: -effective memory -skilled swordsman -musician

Final Years Shakespeare moved back to Stratford around 1610 Died of unknown illness Buried at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford

The Mystery Lives On . . . Many uncertainties surrounding Shakespeare’s life and work – lack of primary sources Even date of birth is uncertain – no certificate Some question whether he ever really existed!

Types of Drama Comedy: Tragedy: deals with love and amusing topics has a happy ending Tragedy: the main character, the protagonist, faces great obstacles story has a disastrous conclusion, BUT DOES NOT NECESSARILY END WITH DEATH