1. William Shakespeare Greatest English playwright of all time Drew inspiration from ancient and contemporary works Use of language and choice of themes made him appeal to all people

2. Shakespeare’s Plays Focused on real lives Tragedy - Portrays people crushed by powerful forces or their own weakness History – Records the power struggles of English kings Comedy - Laughs at follies of young people in love

3. Comedies Twelfth Night – centers on mistaken identity A Midsummer Night’s Dream: adventures of 4 young Athenian lovers. “What fools these mortals be” The Tempest: father tries to restore daughter to “rightful place in the world”. “Brave new world”

4. Tragedies – Romeo and Juliet – teenagers fall victim to old family feud – Macbeth – ambitious couple commits murder for political power, sink into madness / guilt. “Knock knock! Who's there?” – Julius Caesar: more about Marcus Brutus: honor, patriotism, friendship “a dish fit for the gods”

5. Histories Richard III – final king of House of York; his death symbolized end of Middle Ages in England King John: “elbow room”. John is known for Magna Carta

6. Original Globe Theater Shakespeare transformed the English theater. His 38 plays addressed every aspect of the human experience...

7. Modern Globe Theater Shakespeare added 3000+ words to the English language. His works transcend race and culture, point out universal truths, and appeal to the emotions of human nature.