William Shakespeare Born April 23 rd 1564

This historical period was referred to as the English Renaissance, also known as the Elizabethan era, after Queen Elizabeth Historical Period

Shakespeare…the facts Shakespeare grew up in Stratford Upon Avon. Shakespeare’s childhood home:

His father, John Shakespeare, owned a shop as a glove maker and also held several government positions, including Mayor of Stratford. His mother, Mary, was the daughter of a wealthy landowner. Shakespeare had 7 brothers and sisters Family

Shakespeare…the facts Spelling was not yet standardized, so his name was spelled in several different ways: Shakespeare, Shakspere, Shackspere, Shaxper, Shagspere, Shaxberd, etc.

Anne was pregnant at the time Three children: daughter, Susanna, and twins, Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet died at age 11 and Shakespeare’s daughters never had children. Married Life Married in November, 1582, to Anne Hathaway Shakespeare was 18, Hathaway was 26

: The Lost Years We have no records of his life during this time period It is speculated that he might have been a teacher, a butcher, or an actor to support his family. In 1592, he was in London, while Ann and the kids were still in Stratford-upon-Avon

In London he became member of an acting company called The Lord Chamberlain’s Men

1603 Queen Elizabeth died Shakespeare’s troupe changed their name to The King’s Men, becoming the first official theatre company of England’s new king, James I

They performed at The Globe Theater

The Globe Theater

The Rebuilt Globe Theater, London

The Performers Women were not allowed on stage. Female parts were performed by young men.

In addition to writing… Shakespeare was also an actor and a shareholder in his theatrical company He was also a poet, and wrote two book- length poems and 154 sonnets, which are 14 line love poems.

In 1592, there was an outbreak of the plague All theaters were shut down for 2 years Shakespeare wrote poetry while the theaters were closed.

The End Shakespeare died April 23, 1616 He died on his 52 nd birthday. In his will, he left most of his land and possessions to his daughter. He left his wife only his “second best bed”

Shakespeare Today Elizabethan theatre still plays a part in our daily lives, mostly through the influence of Shakespeare. You can find references to his work in films, novels, plays, musicals, songs, poetry, artwork, satire…Even today his characters and storylines continue to inspire…

Shakespeare’s Language Shakespeare did NOT write in “Old English” Old English is the language of Beowulf: Hwaet! We Gardena in geardagum Þeodcyninga Þrym gefrunon Hu ða æÞelingas ellen fremedon! Hey! We have heard of the glory of the Spear-Danes in the old days, the kings of tribes, how noble princes showed great courage!

Shakespeare’s Language Shakespeare did not write in “Middle English” Middle English is the language of Chaucer, the Gawain-poet, and Malory: We redeth oft and findeth y-write— And this clerkes wele it wite— Layes that ben in harping Ben y-founde of ferli thing… (Sir Orfeo)

Shakespeare’s Language Shakespeare wrote in “Early Modern English” EME was not very different from “Modern English,” except that it had some old holdovers.

There were no grammar rules, punctuation keys, OR spelling! New words were being made up every day. Shakespeare’s language reflects this freedom and experimentation. In Shakespeare’s time, the English language was still evolving.

The Language of his plays Shakespeare wrote his plays in both poetry and prose. Poetry is concentrated language, produced through rhythm and sound. Poetry is a heightened form of language, so it's different from the way people normally talk. Sometimes poetry is called verse. Prose is the ordinary language we use when we are speaking or writing.

Poetry vs. Prose An example of poetry is these famous lines from one of Shakespeare's sonnets: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate."

Prose vs. Poetry An example of prose? "Get some bread and milk when you go to the store." We will take a closer look at Shakespeare’s language later…

Why study Shakespeare? Chances are, you’ve quoted Shakespeare without even knowing it! Have you ever said any of the following?

“as luck would have it” “good riddance” “dead as a door-nail” “foul play”

“in a pickle” “It’s Greek to me.” “Too much of a good thing.”

“a laughing stock” “an eyesore” “send me packing” “without rhyme or reason”

Names coined by Shakespeare Jessica in the play The Merchant of Venice Miranda in the play The Tempest Olivia in the play Twelfth Night Cordelia in the play King Lear

Shakespeare’s Language