2. Introduction to Shakespeare Notes
Condense the information found on the following pages:
P , “Elements of Drama”
P , “The Shakespearean Theater”
P , “Meet William Shakespeare”
P. 805, “Background for the Play” (Romeo and Juliet)
Capture the main point of each section, and then list, in bullet form, the supporting details/facts/terms. Briefly define any terms you may not be familiar with.
Expect a short quiz (You may use your notes on this quiz).

3. P. 782-3, Elements of Drama Common Elements with Fiction
Characters
Plot
Conflict
Climax
Elements Specific only to Drama
Dialogue
Acts/scenes
Stage Directions
Def.: Explain how the play needs to be performed
OS=Onstage, US=Upstage, DS: Downstage
Sets
Props
Dramatic effect
Def: Illusion of reality

4. Dramatic conventions Different types of drama Dramatic speeches
Tragedy
Tragic hero (Usually noble people)
Tragic flaw (Unavoidable error or fault)
Downfall (death)
Other: Chorus (commentators on the action)
Other: Dramatic irony (when the audience knows something the characters don’t)
Comedy
Normal people
Happy ending after several misfortunes
Dramatic speeches

5. Dramatic speeches Monologue Soliloquy Aside
Def: Long speech (Many lines)
Other characters are present/listening
Soliloquy
NO other characters are present
Audience hears private thoughts
Aside
Def: SHORT remark (A few lines)
Only the audience/a few characters hear

6. p. 798-9, The Shakespearean Theater
The Globe Theater
(Most of his plays were performed here)
Structure/Layout
Public theater, octagonal/rectangular
No artificial light; all plays during the day
Three levels: Rich at top, poor (groundlings) in the “pit”
Stage went into the audience
Open roof
2,500-3,000 people
Differences from Modern Drama
No sets (to quickly change scenes)
Elaborate Elizabethan costumes
No women actors
Rebuilding
Rebuilt in

7. p. 802-3, Meet William Shakespeare
Early Life
Mother: Mary Arden
Father: John (successful merchant)
Went to Grammar School
Learned Latin/Greek/World History
Used these things in his plays
Early Career
Later Life

8. p. 805, “Background for the Play”
Modification of Source (1546 poem by Arthur Brooke)
Same story line, star-crossed lovers
More sympathetic characters
Elevated it by turning it into a tragedy

9. Introduction to Shakespeare Quiz
Elements of Drama: What is the difference between a monologue and a soliloquy?
Name at least three elements specific to drama.
What are the elements of a tragedy?
What was one interesting fact you read about the structure/layout of the Globe Theater?
What was one way that Shakespeare’s early life influenced his career?
How did Shakespeare modify the source text of Romeo and Juliet?