1. Freewrite
Are men more inherently prone to violence, particularly physical violence? Make an argument either way. What are the implications of your argument?

2. Shakespeare and Macbeth
Mr. Moccia’s Honors/Pre-IB
English II

3. Demystifying Shakespeare
Did NOT write in Old English
Beowulf is Old English
Shakespeare wrote in Modern English
Shakespeare’s plays were not written for the elite or “high- browed”

4. Brief Sketch of the Man Baptized 26 April 1564; died 23 April 1616
Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's preeminent dramatist
His plays have been translated into every major living language, and are performed more often than those of any other playwright

5. Early Life and Marriage
Shakespeare was
born and raised in
Stratford-upon-Avon
At 18, he married
Anne Hathaway,
who bore him 3
children:
Susanna, and
twins Hamnet
and Judith

6. Lost Years
Between 1585 and 1592 is known as Shakespeare's "lost years“
What we do know: a few of his plays were on the London stage by 1592

7. Shakespeare in London By 1594, Shakespeare's
plays were performed only by
the Lord Chamberlain's Men,
a company owned by a group
of players, including
Shakespeare
They soon became the
leading playing company in
London

8. The Globe
In 1599, a partnership of company members built their own theatre on the south bank of the Thames, which they called the Globe

11. End of Life and Death
1607 on, he wrote few plays and probably spent most his time back home in Avon
Died on 23 April and was survived by his wife and two daughters

12. Shakespeare’s Work
Wrote major works that were exceptional in all four categories of drama: comedy, tragedy, romance, and history
Later in life, some of these categories were mixed
Poetry – a bunch of
sonnets are his most
famous

13. Why is Shakespeare Soo Good?
Shakespeare was never “revered” in his lifetime, even if he received his share of praise
Why he is NOT famous:
His stories: he stole most of them (that was normal)
So why…?

14. Here’s Why How he reinterpreted other people’s stories
The power, clarity, and depth of his language and poetry
The psychological depth of his characters
The depth and breadth his stories explore issues, themes, and ideas

15. Approaches to Shakespeare
Not Abstract
Narrative is “normal” and comprehensive
Characters are real, normal people
Language expresses comprehensible ideas
Language: some of the unknown language is simply a product of its time
“Semantic drift” too
Enjoyment
Maturity of tastes

16. Approaches Continued Deciphering a Puzzle
“Not my personal taste” is not an excuse for “not understanding”
An honors class is about mastering language and not finding out what you like to read; these sorts of texts are awesome ways of pushing your abilities
Avoid extremes: figuring out every word vs. giving up