William Shakespeare

Early Years Born in Stratford-on-Avon, England Born in Stratford-on-Avon, England 1580’s—became actor, playwright, poet 1580’s—became actor, playwright, poet At 18, married Anne Hathaway and had three children (yet all grandchildren died— no heirs  ) At 18, married Anne Hathaway and had three children (yet all grandchildren died— no heirs  )

Career Lived off of patrons, wealthy people who supported the arts. Lived off of patrons, wealthy people who supported the arts. First acting troupe called “The King’s Men” named after James I (patron) First acting troupe called “The King’s Men” named after James I (patron) Shakespeare’s goal: to please the audience, especially the wealthy who could become potential patrons or regular audience members at plays $$ Shakespeare’s goal: to please the audience, especially the wealthy who could become potential patrons or regular audience members at plays $$

Success Shakespeare… Shakespeare… was both a talented writer and businessman was both a talented writer and businessman Portrayed characters realistically because of his understanding of human nature Portrayed characters realistically because of his understanding of human nature Wrote about universal themes: everyone identifies with love, friendship, confusion, betrayal, heartache etc. Wrote about universal themes: everyone identifies with love, friendship, confusion, betrayal, heartache etc.

Craft Shakespeare used the poetic elements of rhyme and meter in his plays. Shakespeare used the poetic elements of rhyme and meter in his plays. Blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) Blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) Iambic pentameter : a line with 5 beats, where every OTHER syllable is stressed. Iambic pentameter : a line with 5 beats, where every OTHER syllable is stressed. Ex: But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?

Craft continued Shakespeare used words and actors’ lines in clever ways. Shakespeare used words and actors’ lines in clever ways. Used puns—plays on words (double meanings) Used puns—plays on words (double meanings) Soliloquy – character talks to self out loud to reveal his inner feelings to the audience (alone on stage) Soliloquy – character talks to self out loud to reveal his inner feelings to the audience (alone on stage)

Craft continued Asides – character says a remark to the audience (or to another character) that the remaining characters on stage do not hear Asides – character says a remark to the audience (or to another character) that the remaining characters on stage do not hear

Legacy Shakespeare’s works not published until after his death First Folio was the original collection of his works Some say that Shakespeare may not have written his works.