Introduction to Shakespeare

William Shakespeare What we know about Shakespeare comes from church documents and legal records. Some documents that we have are baptismal registration, marriage license, and records of real estate transactions.

Family Shakespeare was the 3rd of eight children Shakespeare was born April 23, 1564. Shakespeare was born in Stratford Shakespeare’s dad was a shoemaker and sometimes served as a justice of the peace

Shakespeare’s Life Shakespeare was an actor By 1594, he was a charter member of the theatrical company called Lord Chamberlains Men, which later become The Kings Men. The Kings Men were supported by King James

Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet was among the early plays of Shakespeare This play was written between 1594 and 1596 By 1612 Shakespeare had written thirty-seven (37) plays.

Other Plays Julius Caesar Hamlet Othello King Lear Macbeth Midsummers Night’s Dream Henry V

Death Shakespeare died April 23, 1616 (52 years later on his birthday) He is buried under the old stone floor of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. The following is carved on his tombstone. “Good friend, for Jesus sake forbear To dig the dust enclosed here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones And cursed be he that moves my bones”

Types of Plays Shakespeare wrote: Comedies - light and amusing, usually with a happy ending Tragedies –serious dramas with disastrous endings Histories – involve events or persons from history

Shakespeares Theater James Burbage built the first permanent theater in England. Acting companies played where they could find a spot. Usually this would be in the courtyards of inns Shakespeare built the GLOBE Theater

The Theatre The Globe Theatre: In his play Henry V Shakespeare calls his theater the Wooden O Open ceiling Three stories high No artificial lighting Plays were shown during daylight hours only

Spectators Wealthy people got to sit on benches The poor (called “groundlings”) had to stand and watch from the courtyard The goundlings would pay a penny into a box. It is where we get the term “box office” There was much more audience participation than today

Actors Acting was not considered a respectable profession by the English Puritans Only men and boys Young boys whose voices had not changed played the women’s roles It would have been indecent for a woman to appear on stage Women did not enter the theater until much later.

Romeo and Juliet Considered a tragedy Tells the story of two teenagers who risk everything for love Shakespeare is exploring which is stronger: love or hate

The Montagues Lord Montague – father of Romeo Lady Montague – mother of Romeo Romeo Montague – in love with Juliet Benvolio – nephew of Montague and friend of Romeo Balthasar – servant to Romeo Abram – servant to Montague

The Capulets Lord Capulet – father of Juliet Lady Capulet – mother of Juliet Juliet Capulet – in love with Romeo Tybalt – nephew of Lady Capulet Nurse – takes care of Juliet Peter – servant to Juliet’s Nurse

Other Characters Prince Escalus – ruler of Verona Mercutio – kinsman of the Prince and friend of Romeo Friar Laurence – a Franciscan priest Friar John – another Franciscan priest Count Paris – a young nobleman

Things to think about… What would you do if your parents did not approve of someone you were dating? How important is the opinion of your family in decisions that you make? Does violence solve problems?