The World of Shakespeare

English IV

Shakespeare’s Life

William Shakespeare was an English playwright from the 16th Century.

He was born 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon.

He died on April 23, 1616.

At the age of 18, he married an older woman, Anne Hathaway.

He had 3 children- Susanna and twins, Hamnet and Judith.

He left them in Stratford to go be an actor and playwright in London

Shakespeare’s wife probably didn’t look like this.

Elizabethan Theatre When Shakespeare was in

London, Elizabeth I was the queen (1558-1603). This was called the Elizabethan Era.

There was an explosion of literature and theater during this era. It is also called the English Renaissance because so much great art and culture developed during this time.

Shakespeare first entered the theater as an actor traveling with different acting companies.

At the age of 27, he decided to try writing plays.

His plays were popular when he was alive but nowhere close to how popular they are today.

He wrote 38 plays in total, although his authorship is questioned (what does that mean?)

Shakespeare’s Plays

Shakespeare looked for pre-existing stories for inspiration. He changed many details, but he never started from scratch when writing plays. He was a famous “borrower” of other people’s ideas.

His works can be traced back to various literary sources and incidents in his life and the world around him. His writing was influenced by Roman and Italian authors.

Shakespeare wrote 4 types of plays:Comedies

Humorous (Obviously)Tragedies

Have fatal endingsHistories

Chronicle the lives of royaltyRomances

Weird hybrid plays (not exactly comedy or tragedy)

He also wrote: 154 sonnets, 3 long narrative poems, Several other poems

Theater in the Elizabethan Age

Elizabethans wanted plays with lots of excitement, romance, dirty jokes, ghosts, stabbings and sword fights.

If they were not pleased, the audience would throw rotten eggs and vegetables at the actors.

Women were not allowed to act, so men had to play all parts. Young boys would often play the parts of women.

The Original Globe TheaterThe original theater was built in 1599

by the acting company, Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Most of Shakespeare’s plays were performed here.

The Globe was 3 stories high, octagon-shaped and had an open air court in the middle. The stage reached into the middle area and was surrounded by tiers of seats that had a roof over them.

The upper- and middle- class sat in the seats.

The poor people (called “groundlings”) paid a penny to stand in the center.

Acting in The Globe

There were no electric lights, sound effects, or big sets in The Globe. All performances took place during the day when there was light for the audience to see.

Because all the plays took place on a bare stage in the daytime, Shakespeare had to use language to convey time of day, weather, and mood. Characters who talk about how dark it is are setting the stage for the audience.

HamletThe most famous work in the English

languageHamlet has been performed more

times than any play ever written. There are dozens of film versions as well.

Interesting Facts

Shakespeare’s son was named Hamnet. Shakespeare wrote this play shortly after his son died.

The Ghost of Old Hamlet and his brother Claudius are often played by the same actor.

Hamlet is often called the “Gloomy Dane” because he is so depressed.

Theatrical Devices

Tragedy- the main character is brought to ruin or suffers extreme sorrow, especially as a consequence of a tragic flaw, moral weakness, or inability to handle bad circumstances.

Soliloquy-

a long conversation by a person who is talking to him or herself. It is intended to tell the character’s

innermost thoughts. The character is usually on stage

alone.

The End

ENJOY!