Shakespearean Quest

Do Now: In 60 seconds write down everything you know about Shakespeare!

William Shakespeare William Shakespeare is one of literature’s greatest influences. He was born in 1564 and died in Much of his life is a mystery, but what knowledge we do have comes from registrar records, court records, wills, marriage certificates, and his grave. The jealousy of his competitors also sheds some light on the great bard’s abilities! He was known as an actor, playwright, and poet. Possibly his most famous and timeless work is the great love story of Romeo and Juliet. Many people have created works based on Shakespeare and his famous plays throughout the years.

Introduction You are the great playwright William Shakespeare and your life is at stake! The Duke and Duchess have commanded that you write them a short play to make up for the money that you owe them. A seemingly easy task for such a grand playwright as yourself. But the catch, you have some research to do; they have requested you to meet some requirements. So grab your finest quill and get to work sir!

Task On the following scrolls the Duke and Duchess have kindly given you some sources to help you with your writing quest! Be sure to complete each task for you will need all the information you can get! God Speed!

Read the text from the Balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet. Stop at Juliet’s line “take all myself.” 1)How do the characters speak and address each other? Is it formal or casual? 2)Discuss with your partner what you think the text as a whole means. How is this style of writing different from today? Resource 1 Language/ Text

Resource 2 Formality of the Time Shakespeare in Love Watch the clip from the the movie Shakespeare in Love. 1)What do you notice about the dance they perform? How is it different from modern times? 2)How do the following aspects contribute to the scene: Costumes Dialogue Formality Dance

Resource 3 Aspects of a Comedy Read the information provided. 1) List some important aspects of Shakespearean comedy. 2)Why do you think that Shakespeare chose to focus on plot rather than character development? Elaborate on what you just learned.

Resource 4 Aspects of a Tragedy Read the information provided. 1) List some important aspects of Shakespearean tragedy. 2)Why do you think that Shakespeare made the heroic character flawed? Elaborate on what you just learned.

Resource 5 Status/ Time Period Go to the link above to help you answer the questions below: 1) Who was the monarch during the Elizabethan era? 2) Who made up the nobility and where were they in the social ladder? 3) In your own words describe merchants and laborers. Give some examples. Read the sections entitled “The Reputation of Elizabethan Actors” and “The lifestyle of Elizabethan Actors.” 1)Based on the reading, and the way he was treated in the video clip from Resource 2 what do you think Shakespeare’s status was? Was he well respected or well liked? How does this differ from the way we think of him today?

Assignment 1) Make sure you have completed your packet questions for each resource. 2)Begin brainstorming with your partner for your story using the following dittos: Comedy or Tragedy (pick one) Setting Characters Plot