Romeo and Juliet An Introduction to the Play and the Life of William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare Born in Stratford England in1564 Born in Stratford England in1564 Died 1616 Died 1616 Married to Anne Hathaway Married to Anne Hathaway 3 children, one died at age 11 3 children, one died at age 11

Shakespeare Acting was not a well respected field to be in during the 16 th century. Acting was not a well respected field to be in during the 16 th century. Shakespeare earned a little more respect because he also wrote plays. Shakespeare earned a little more respect because he also wrote plays. Using the money he made, he invested in land in Stratford. These investments made him wealthy. Using the money he made, he invested in land in Stratford. These investments made him wealthy.

Shakespeare Shakespeare began acting with a troupe called Lord Chamberlains Men. Shakespeare began acting with a troupe called Lord Chamberlains Men. They later became known as All the Kings Men. They later became known as All the Kings Men.

The Globe Theatre It was with this acting troupe that Shakespeare became part owner in the Globe Theatre. It was with this acting troupe that Shakespeare became part owner in the Globe Theatre. The theatre shown below is not the original. The original Globe burned in the fire of The theatre shown below is not the original. The original Globe burned in the fire of 1616.

The Globe Theatre The Globe is located next to the Thames River in London The Globe is located next to the Thames River in London The Thames runs right through the center of London. The Thames runs right through the center of London.

Shakespeare’s Plays Shakespeare’s works can be put in 4 categories: Historical- tells about history Tragedy- serious or sad theme; usually a person or persons destined through a flaw of character or conflict with some stronger force, like fate or society, to downfall or death. Comedy- a story with a happy or cheerful ending Poetry/Sonnets- poems or story poems

Shakespeare Shakespeare’s plays were also performed in court. Queen Elizabeth I and King James I liked his works Shakespeare’s plays were also performed in court. Queen Elizabeth I and King James I liked his works Shakespeare retired from the theater around 1613 Shakespeare retired from the theater around 1613 He died on April 23, 1616 He died on April 23, 1616 He is buried in Stratford where he was born He is buried in Stratford where he was born

Romeo and Juliet The play Romeo and Juliet is a Tragedy. The play Romeo and Juliet is a Tragedy. In this play we have 2 Italian families that are feuding or fighting. In this play we have 2 Italian families that are feuding or fighting. The Montagues and Capulets are the names of the families. The Montagues and Capulets are the names of the families.

Romeo and Juliet  Romeo is a Montague  Juliet is a Capulet

Character Types Flat- one dimensional character embodying only one single trait. Shakespeare’s flat characters provide comic relief. Flat- one dimensional character embodying only one single trait. Shakespeare’s flat characters provide comic relief. Round- has many personality traits, like a real person. Round- has many personality traits, like a real person.

Things we must know Soliloquy- a lengthy speech in which a character, alone on stage, expresses his or her thoughts to the audience; this let’s you know what the character is thinking Soliloquy- a lengthy speech in which a character, alone on stage, expresses his or her thoughts to the audience; this let’s you know what the character is thinking Aside- a brief remark made by a character to the audience. This remark is unheard by the other characters. Aside- a brief remark made by a character to the audience. This remark is unheard by the other characters.

Paying attention to stage directions In our book, there are stage directions written in italics. In our book, there are stage directions written in italics. The stage directions tell us who is entering or exiting the stage and what they are doing. The stage directions tell us who is entering or exiting the stage and what they are doing.

Why read Shakespeare today? His writings make you think His writings may challenge how you view certain things His writings have inspired many movies, TV shows, and books His characters deal with the same kind of problems we have today

Quick Facts  Author: William Shakespeare  Date: written in London in the mid- 1590’s  Type of work: play  Genre: tragedy  Setting: during the Renaissance(14th or 15th century) in Verona and Mantua, Italy  Protagonist: Romeo, Juliet  Antagonist: the Montague-Capulet feud, Tybalt, fate