1. Introduction to Shakespeare

2. William Shakespeare
Most influential writer in the English language
Most popular playwright in the world
4 centuries after his death, he is still very popular
Plays filled with action
Believable characters
Thrilling language
He had a great tolerance, sympathy, and love for all people, good or evil

3. Humble Beginnings
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England on April 23, 1564
His family was initially prosperous, but his father began having financial difficulties in the 1570s
He attended Stratford’s Grammar School, but had no formal education

4. Stratford-upon-Avon

5. Shakespeare’s Birthplace

7. 1582—(age 18) married Anne Hathaway (age 26)
6 months later they had a daughter, Susanna
1585—they had twins Hamnet & Judith
it is unknown what Shakespeare did
Shakespeare’s son died at age 11

8. By 1592 Shakespeare was definitely in London working as an actor & playwright
Between 1592 & 1594, plague kept the London theaters closed most of the time
He wrote his earlier sonnets & 2 long narrative poems

9. Shakespeare Prospers
Until 1598 his theater work was confined to 2 theaters
The Theatre
The Curtain
Both were managed by James Burbage
His son Richard was the greatest tragic actor of the time

11. Between 1596 & 1599 Shakespeare & the Burbages moved across the Thames River and built the Globe Theater
Shakespeare was associated with the Globe for the rest of his active life

17. Went on to become the most successful playwright of his time
Bought New Place, the largest house in Stratford for his family
After the death of Queen Elizabeth I, King James I followed her to the throne
King James became a patron of Shakespeare’s company (The King’s Men)

18. King James I

19. “The Scottish Play” Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in honor of King James
After 1603 Shakespeare acted little

20. Later Years
In 1610 Shakespeare retired from theater work & returned to Stratford
In 1613 the Globe Theater burned
He shared in the building of the new Globe
He continued to write until his death
He died on April 23, 1616 (52nd birthday)
In 1623, Shakespeare’s collected plays were published

21. Shakespeare’s Works
37 plays
154 sonnets
2 long narrative poems

22. Three Types of Plays
10 Tragedies
17 Comedies
10 Histories