William Shakespeare

His Birth Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 26, 1564. Often called England’s national poet, “The Bard of Avon,” or simply “The Bard” Responsible for 38 plays and 154 sonnets (that we know of) At 18, he married 26-year-old Anne Hathaway, who bore him three children.

Portrait and Coat of Arms

“The Lost Years” Not much is known about Shakespeare between 1585 and 1592, giving this time period the name of “the lost years.” However, in 1592, he was well known enough on the London stage to be criticized by the playwright Robert Greene. Greene’s criticism was the first mention of Shakespeare’s name in the arena of theater.

The Beginning Most Shakespearean scholars assume his career began anywhere from the mid-1580s to right before Greene’s remarks. From 1594 on, his plays were performed by his own troupe, the Lord Chamberlain’s men.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men Originally patronized by Queen Elizabeth, the LCM changed their name in 1603 to the King’s Men when James I ascended to the throne and continued to support them. In 1599, the LCM built Shakespeare’s theater, The Globe. The original Globe was destroyed by a fire in 1613; it was rebuilt in 1614 and closed again in 1642.

The Globe

The Globe The Globe was set up in a familiar style: balconies around the stage for wealthy members of society, a small landing behind the stage as well (for the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet), and a door behind the stage to keep costumes and props. The wide-open portion in front of the stage with no seats was called the pit; the poor individuals who stood in this section during the play were referred to as “groundlings.”

The Globe

King Lear Written between 1603 and 1606 Role of Lear first performed by Richard Burbage, the most talented member of the LCM Based on pre-Roman Celtic king, Leir of Britain

Source Material and Plot Like much of his other plays, Shakespeare used Holinshed’s Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland as source material for the play. Lear, an aging king, bestows his wealth and power upon his two eldest daughters when his favorite daughter, Cordelia, refuses to flatter him by telling him how much she loves him. The eventual betrayal by his daughters Regan and Goneril leads to Lear’s physical and mental deterioration.

Themes and Motifs Themes Family/Relationships between parents and children Nothingness-What is a father without children? A king without power? Kingship-What does it mean to rule? What are the qualities of a good ruler? Loyalty

Themes and Motifs (cont’d.) Madness Nature Fortune/Wheel of Fortune Sight vs. Blindness