1. Biographical and Background Information
William Shakespeare
Biographical and Background Information
Born about April 23, 1564 near Stratford on Avon
Died on April 23, 1616 at age 52
Married Anne Hathaway
By 1592 was employed as an actor and playwright
During 1594 he was a charter member of Lord Chamberlain’s Men which later became the King’s Men (reference to King James) *the Bible
Wrote plays year after year during the English Renaissance
Early in his early career, , he wrote mostly comedies and histories.
After 1600, Shakespeare wrote most of his tragedies.

2. Why Should We Read Shakespeare?
Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language as well as the world’s pre-eminent playwright
England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon”
During his life he produced:
38 plays
154 sonnets - created the Shakespearean sonnet often called the Elizabethan sonnet after Queen Elizabeth
2 long narrative poems
His plays are still produced all over the world for both stage and film

3. Shakespeare’s Words
Wrote in what is often considered Old or Middle English, but it is really an example of Early Modern English
During his lifetime English grammar, spelling, and pronunciation were far less standardized than they are today.
Shakespeare’s use of language helped shape Modern English
His plays are noted for the characters, characterization, plot, and language (figurative)

4. The Globe Theatre