Background Notes

Limited records: Not too many people could read or write Used church records, court case records, and personal interviews Birth date: April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England Death date: April 23, 1616

Theater Life: His theater life began in London in 1587 as a member of a troop of actors called Lord Leicester’s Men. Probably a stage hand at first Began play editing and collaborating with other playwrights and actors, learning his craft along the way – was a well established actor/playwright in London

During the 1592 plague, London closed all theaters. This is when Shakespeare wrote his sonnets and established himself as a legitimate poet. In 1594, Shakespeare then joined the acting company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men the Lord Chamberlain’s Men built the Globe Theater.

The Business Man: Big businessman, theater was the television of it time Shakespeare received proceeds as a percentage owner of the company, as an actor, and as a writer. Knowing that any money was good money, Shakespeare charged whatever he could get for the cushioned seats, but then only charged a penny of the standing room only groundlings.

Renaissance means “rebirth” Rebirth from what? From the Dark Ages (a time period that was of cultural and economic deterioration resulting in the fall of the Roman Empire) The Renaissance (believed to have begun in Italy) revived the emphasis on individualism, humanism, and appreciation of literature and culture.

The Renaissance: Dominant Renaissance World Views “Great Chain of Being” Belief structure from middle ages Came from Ptolemaic system with earth at the center Hierarchical system with God and angels above, man in the middle, and animals, plants, minerals on the bottom. Within each species, same hierarchy, with King on the top, then nobles, moneyed middle-class, then peasants

This belief in a divinely ordered scheme of things descending from God down to all the creatures on earth was true in the household as well. Servants were the subjects of their masters Children were the possessions of their parents Wives were inferior to their husbands Thus, the husband and father had absolute authority within his family. This is not to say that women were oppressed or had no say in family matters; however, should there be a disagreement, the husband’s decision was final.

Love and Marriage in the Upper Classes Marriage was based on money. Wives were the property of their husbands. Unless widowed, a woman was dependant on a man her entire life. Although marriages were for the most part based on money, men and women did still believe (and desire) love within the marriage, just as we do now.

Duties of the husband Responsible for all material comforts for his family Providing for elderly or dependant relatives Employing tutors or domestic chaplains for his children’s education Responsible for housing and feeding servants Negotiating marriages for his children Duties of the wife Responsible for the efficient running of the household ( aka planning meals, organizing servants, etc ) Presided over the stillroom ( a place where herbs were kept and dried to make remedies to illness ) Nursing her children when they were ill Teaching them how to read and write (daughters were taught how to run a household) Making sure the household remained harmonious

Before we read: Shakespeare comedies The Taming of the Shrew is meant to be a comedy about views on marriage, women’s roles, and social views of the Tudor Era. Shakespearean comedies are not the same as modern comedies. They were more saterically funny than laugh out loud funny, although there are elements of humor in these plays. For more information click the link below: kespeare_Comedy.htm kespeare_Comedy.htm

Some of the characters switch identities and wear disguises. Although this is meant to add dramatic irony to the play, it can make for complex reading at times, so be prepared to pay attention. The Taming of the Shrew is a “play within a play.” This means that some of the characters at the start of the play are actually performing The Taming of the Shrew for other characters.

What’s a shrew? “Shrew” is a term that refers to a woman who speaks harshly, acts out violently, and does not obey social norms. A shrew was not a likeable person and certainly not easy for a father to marry off. You might be able to guess then, from the title of the play, that this story is all about one man’s attempt at transforming and taming a shrew into a humble and proper woman of her time.

Is it a Sexist Play? Although this play is meant to be a comedy, many critics have argued that it is a sexist play. You be the judge.