1. William Shakespeare Born in April 1564 in Stratford, England

2. Rural, farm life Most likely attended grammar school and was educated in Latin and literature 1582- age 18, married Anne Hathaway Eventually left Stratford and his family to work in London Life in Stratford

3. Life in London Probably arrived around 1588 and was writing and acting Started gaining recognition in the 1590s for his writing Wrote his English history plays, several comedies, and at least two tragedies, Titus Andronicus and Romeo and Juliet Theatres, closed due to the plague, reopened in 1594

4. Elizabethan England

5. Post-Tudor era, Pre-Stuart era Strict class hierarchy Strict dress rules Queen Elizabeth I had extreme influence over the theatre

6. Elizabethan Theatre Very important to Elizabethan society and Queen Elizabeth I herself Only men allowed to act Loud, dirty, packed Attracted all social classes