An Introduction Mr. Wilson’s English Class - 506

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In your common-place books, please try to answer the following questions to the best of your ability: Who was William Shakespeare, why do you know his name and why is he such a big deal? Try and name as many of his plays as you can. Please write a few lines of BLANK VERSE in “Shakespearian English” about your trip to school this morning.

Shakespeare wrote 38 plays, 154 sonnets and some other narrative poems. His plays have been translated into ever single language and are performed more then any other Theatre pieces. Considering there is little evidence connecting the name “William Shakespeare” to his body of work – there has been some speculation about the validity of his work. However, everyone does readily agree, that however wrote the stuff – it is pure genius.

In your common-place books, please answer the follow questions? What was the function of “plays” or the theatre back in the 16 th and 17 th century? If Shakespeare is considered to be important cultured literature – What was it back then? What about the language? Is language still used to differentiate people today? Explain using examples…

(in terms of Shakespeare – of course…)

Antonio, The Merchant of Venice, agrees to help his friend, Bassanio, marry the fair and wealthy Portia. Portia is held by her late father’s will – who left three chests (gold, silver and lead) to which her suitors must choose.

Antonio and Bassanio go to the Money lender, Shylock, in order to get the 3000 ducats. Shylock hates Antonio, and offers to help them, although he secretly wishes they will fail.

Shylock’s daughter, Jessica, is in love with one of Antonio and Bassanio’s friends – Lorenzo. She agrees to help them! The story then gets really convoluted.

The climactic scene is where Shylock intends to call in his debt – a pound of flesh – in the middle of a crowded courtroom. In the end, as it is with most Shakespearian plays, there is a Denouement!

Come up with a “cover page” or a drawing for the Merchant of Venice. It can be drawn, coloured, done on the computer – whatever! But it has to encompass what you think the play is about. Examples of some themes you should consider for inspiration: Anti-Semitism – Shylock! The scales of justice Ships sailing into Venice

(Plebians…)