1. INTERPRETING SHAKESPEARE An introduction to the Bard and how his work has withstood the test of time Lauren Smith EDUC 3125 3.27.09

2. Introduction This presentation will give an overview of playwright William Shakespeare’s life and work, providing a framework for learning how to interpret the products of the world’s most famous, time-tested dramatist.

3. Shakespeare Biography Date of birth uncertain, but accepted as April 23 rd, 1564 Began education at Stratford Grammar School at age 6 or 7 There are limited details about Shakespeare’s life before he became an actor (1580). A painting of the Stratford Grammar School, artist unknown.

4. Family Information Son of John Shakespeare and Mary Arden Sister Joan, born after Shakespeare lived to be 77 years old. Married Anne Hathaway, and had three children, a daughter Susanna and twin boys. Shakespeare and Anne’s cottage.

5. Shakespeare’s Life in the Theatre Emerged as professional actor by 1592 Began career either with travelling troupe The Queen’s Men or by travelling to London. Eventually joined the Chamberlain’s Men.

6. Shakespeare’s Life in Theatre (Courtesy of United Streaming)

7. Shakespeare’s World Shakespeare had a close relationship with Queen Elizabeth I. Resurrected the character Falstaff at her request in The Merry Wives of Windsor.

8. Shakespeare’s Comdedies All's Well That Ends Well As You Like It The Comedy of Errors Cymbeline Love's Labours Lost Measure for Measure The Merry Wives of Windsor The Merchant of Venice A Midsummer Night's Dream Much Ado About Nothing Pericles, Prince of Tyre Taming of the Shrew The Tempest Troilus and Cressida Twelfth Night Two Gentlemen of Verona Winter's Tale Titania and Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream

9. Shakespeare’s Tragedies Antony and Cleopatra Coriolanus Hamlet Julius Caesar King Lear Macbeth Othello Romeo and Juliet Timon of Athens Titus Andronicus Romeo and Juliet at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

10. Shakespeare’s Histories Henry IV, part 1 Henry IV, part 2 Henry V Henry VI, part 1 Henry VI, part 2 Henry VI, part 3 Henry VIII King John Richard II Richard III

11. Overview of Shakespeare’s Works: Poetry The Sonnets (over 100) A Lover's Complaint The Rape of Lucrece Funeral Elegy by W.S. Venus and Adonis

12. Shakespeare’s Common Themes Love and forbidden love (Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, along with almost all the others) Power, betrayal, and corruption (King Lear, Macbeth, Othello) Forgiveness (The Tempest)

13. Autobiographical Details The Merry Wives of Windsor: education and schooling. Many of Shakespeare’s sonnets contained the illusion of autobiographical confessions, but it is unknown how many of these elements are true to Shakespeare’s real life.

14. Conclusion *Shakespeare’s background and life in Elizabethan England shaped his work. *The recurring themes of human nature have led Shakespeare’s works to withstand the test of time.

15. References and Resources http://www.shakespeare- online.com/biography/ http://www.shakespeare- online.com/biography/ http://www.william- shakespeare.info/shakespeare-play-the- merry-wives-of-windsor.htm\ http://www.william- shakespeare.info/shakespeare-play-the- merry-wives-of-windsor.htm\ http://shakespeare.mit.edu/ A Life of William Shakespeare (Sidney Lee)