Introduction to Shakespeare A Genius from Stratford William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare’s supporter Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled England from 1558 to 1603, was a fan of Will’s plays. Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled England from 1558 to 1603, was a fan of Will’s plays. The arts flourished under her reign. The arts flourished under her reign. A portrait of Queen Elizabeth I after her ascension to the throne in 1558.

Understanding the 1500s Elizabethans = Elizabethans = people who lived during the reignof Queen Elizabeth I (1558 to 1603). The thought patterns of Elizabethans are similar to modern ideas, but dissimilar in enough ways that we need to study their beliefs about life… The thought patterns of Elizabethans are similar to modern ideas, but dissimilar in enough ways that we need to study their beliefs about life…

Elizabethan Chain of Being The “chain of life” stands as one of the most important and long-lasting ideas in the history of humankind. It can still be seen today. This is the “key” to understanding Shakespeare! God Angels Humankind Soul Understanding Reason Sensory Passion Lust Animals Plants Stones The “Free Will line” (This is our ability to make choices.)

The “ECB” – body talk The human form fits into the ECB: The human form fits into the ECB: Compliment: Compliment: Wisdom comes from brain, not from passion or the lower part of your body. Insult: Insult: “By my heal I care not!” God Angels Humankind Soul Understanding Reason Sensory Passion Lust Animals Plants Stones The “Will line”

Shakespeare’s tragedies as a form: Tragedy: a play in which there is an ethical violation (“moral law”) Tragedy: a play in which there is an ethical violation (“moral law”) Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear, Hamlet Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear, Hamlet Character violates the law and becomes isolated from his/her society Character violates the law and becomes isolated from his/her society This disrupts the community’s order (ECB!) This disrupts the community’s order (ECB!)

Understanding Shakespeare’s plays Soliloquy : “to speak alone” Soliloquy : “to speak alone” The audience can see into a character’s mind The audience can see into a character’s mind Often used in times of great stress Often used in times of great stress Aside : short, quick comment to one’s self Aside : short, quick comment to one’s self Comic relief : characters low on the ECB are used to make audience laugh after stressful scenes Comic relief : characters low on the ECB are used to make audience laugh after stressful scenes

Understanding Shakespeare’s plays Prologue: spoken piece before the play Prologue: spoken piece before the play Actor who speaks is called the chorus Actor who speaks is called the chorus Usually asks audience to forgive or accept the playwright’s “poor efforts.” Usually asks audience to forgive or accept the playwright’s “poor efforts.” Summarizes entire play! Summarizes entire play! Epilogue: spoken piece after the play Epilogue: spoken piece after the play

Understanding Shakespeare’s plays

Works Cited Thrasher, Thomas. The Importance of William Shakespeare. San Diego: Lucent Books, 1999