1. Shakespeare Intro Notes Mr. Shelton George Wythe HS

2. Bio Notes Birthday: 4/23/1564 Birthday: 4/23/1564 Father: John Shakespeare; glove maker Father: John Shakespeare; glove maker Mother: Mary Arden Mother: Mary Arden Education: Grammar school (high school) Education: Grammar school (high school) His reputation: He wrote lots of sonnets (poems) His reputation: He wrote lots of sonnets (poems) Wife: Anne Hathaway in 1582 Wife: Anne Hathaway in 1582 Children: Susanna; Hamnet and Judith Children: Susanna; Hamnet and Judith When did he leave London for Stratford? When did he leave London for Stratford? Between 1585 and 1592

3. Bio notes Wife didn’t go? Religious reasons; maritial issues (all connected) Wife didn’t go? Religious reasons; maritial issues (all connected) Wealth: He got money from the gate of the plays Wealth: He got money from the gate of the plays Early successes: The Rape of Lucrece; Venus and Adonis Early successes: The Rape of Lucrece; Venus and Adonis Ref books: Ovid’s Metamorphosis; Plutarch’s Lives Ref books: Ovid’s Metamorphosis; Plutarch’s Lives Number of plays written: Wrote 37 plays Number of plays written: Wrote 37 plays Four types: Comedy, Tragedy, History, and Romance Four types: Comedy, Tragedy, History, and Romance Name of his company: Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later, The King’s Men Name of his company: Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later, The King’s Men Reputation: as an actor, then poet Reputation: as an actor, then poet

4. Bio Notes Retired in 1613 to Stratford Retired in 1613 to Stratford Died on 4/23/1616 (his birthday) Died on 4/23/1616 (his birthday) Puritan effect on the theaters…closed them. Puritan effect on the theaters…closed them. The Plague…closed theaters and killed one in three. The Plague…closed theaters and killed one in three. Plague: transferred by rats; caused by poor hygiene and poor living conditions. Known as “The Black Death” Plague: transferred by rats; caused by poor hygiene and poor living conditions. Known as “The Black Death”

5. Prologue: Setting: Verona Setting: Verona Rivalry between households Rivalry between households Star crossed: belief in the power of the stars Star crossed: belief in the power of the stars The lovers die (why do we already know?) The lovers die (why do we already know?) What can we learn? What can we learn? Chorus asks you to learn from it Chorus asks you to learn from it *Sonnet: fourteen lines; ends with couplet *Sonnet: fourteen lines; ends with couplet

6. Prologue Rhyming pattern: ab, ab, cd, cd, ef, ef, gg Rhyming pattern: ab, ab, cd, cd, ef, ef, gg *Alliteration: initial letter same *Alliteration: initial letter same *Blank verse *Blank verse ACT I ACT I PROLOGUE PROLOGUE Two households, both alike in dignity, a In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, b From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, a Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. b From forth the fatal loins of these two foes c A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life; d Two households, both alike in dignity, a In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, b From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, a Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. b From forth the fatal loins of these two foes c A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life; d Whole misadventured piteous overthrows c Do with their death bury their parents' strife. d The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love, e And the continuance of their parents' rage, f Which, but their children's end, nought could remove, e Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage; f The which if you with patient ears attend, g What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend. g Whole misadventured piteous overthrows c Do with their death bury their parents' strife. d The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love, e And the continuance of their parents' rage, f Which, but their children's end, nought could remove, e Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage; f The which if you with patient ears attend, g What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend. g

7. Who’s Who in Verona… Montague Montague Montague (father) Montague (father) Lady Montague (mother) Lady Montague (mother) Romeo (son) Romeo (son) Mercutio (Romeo’s best friend) Mercutio (Romeo’s best friend) Benvolio (Romeo’s cousin) Benvolio (Romeo’s cousin) Friar Laurence (Romeo’s Mentor) Friar Laurence (Romeo’s Mentor) Prince Escalus (Sheriff) Prince Escalus (Sheriff) Abram (servant) Abram (servant) Balthazaar (servant to Romeo) Balthazaar (servant to Romeo) Capulet Capulet (father) Lady Capulet (mother) Juliet Tybalt (cousin to Juliet) Nurse (Juliet’s mentor) Peter (servant to the nurse) Samson (servant) Gregory (servant)

8. Who’s Who in Verona continued… Neutral Characters: Neutral Characters: Chorus Chorus Paris (wealthy bachelor who wants to marry Juliet) Paris (wealthy bachelor who wants to marry Juliet) Friar John Friar John Apothecary (pharmacist) Apothecary (pharmacist)

9. Act I: plot Servants start the fight in a public place Servants start the fight in a public place “bite your thumb” an insult to provoke “bite your thumb” an insult to provoke “a dog of the house of Montague moves me.” The servants provoke the others “a dog of the house of Montague moves me.” The servants provoke the others Prince: this has happened three times. If it happens again, someone will die… Prince: this has happened three times. If it happens again, someone will die… Romeo’s internal conflict: Romeo locks himself in his room. His father and mother ask Benvolio to find out why. Romeo’s internal conflict: Romeo locks himself in his room. His father and mother ask Benvolio to find out why.

10. Act I lit terms Literary terms: Literary terms: Stage Directions: tells actors what to do Stage Directions: tells actors what to do Monologue: long speech by one character Monologue: long speech by one character Pun: word with more than one implied meaning; often it has a comedic effect Pun: word with more than one implied meaning; often it has a comedic effect Foil: two characters who are opposites; accents the differences between them Foil: two characters who are opposites; accents the differences between them Aside: a character speaks only to the audience or one character (and presumably is not heard by everyone else). Aside: a character speaks only to the audience or one character (and presumably is not heard by everyone else).

11. Act I lit terms Metaphor: comparison between two things Metaphor: comparison between two things Ex.“Turn thee Benvolio and look upon thy death.” Tybalt is comparing himself to death.; golden window of the East (sun) Ex.“Turn thee Benvolio and look upon thy death.” Tybalt is comparing himself to death.; golden window of the East (sun) Allusion: to use a reference to history or literature to make a meaning more clear. Allusion: to use a reference to history or literature to make a meaning more clear. Ex. Aurora’s bed: Aurora is the goddess of sunrise. Ex. Aurora’s bed: Aurora is the goddess of sunrise.

12. Shakespeare’s use of language Wise and rich characters spoke poetry Wise and rich characters spoke poetry Dumb and poor characters spoke prose, and when they tried poety, they messed it up. Dumb and poor characters spoke prose, and when they tried poety, they messed it up. Sonnets signify important moments in the play. Sonnets signify important moments in the play.

13. Act I plot cont. Oxymoron: shows confusion in Romeo: two things which are opposites; Romeo is confused about love Oxymoron: shows confusion in Romeo: two things which are opposites; Romeo is confused about love Romeo is in love with the fair Rosaline Romeo is in love with the fair Rosaline Benvolio tells Romeo to examine other women. Benvolio tells Romeo to examine other women. Allusion: she hath Diane’s wit Allusion: she hath Diane’s wit

14. Act I, scene ii Paris wants to marry Juliet Paris wants to marry Juliet Capulet’s monologue Capulet’s monologue Servant’s lack of poetic competence Servant’s lack of poetic competence Crystal Scales metaphor Crystal Scales metaphor

15. Act I, scene iii Juliet is 14 Juliet is 14 Nurse is dirty minded and she cannot maintain a thought. (speaks poorly) Nurse is dirty minded and she cannot maintain a thought. (speaks poorly) Juliet’s mother didn’t nurse Juliet: she does not know how to talk to her Juliet’s mother didn’t nurse Juliet: she does not know how to talk to her Man of wax: metaphor Man of wax: metaphor Book without a cover: metaphor Book without a cover: metaphor Flower: metaphor Flower: metaphor Juliet tells her mother that she will like him as much as she wants him to. Juliet tells her mother that she will like him as much as she wants him to.

16. Act I, scene iv I have a soul of lead: pun I have a soul of lead: pun Romeo / Mercutio as foils: different views on love Romeo / Mercutio as foils: different views on love Romeo’s views of dreams vs Mercutios Romeo’s views of dreams vs Mercutios Queen Mab Speech: allusion Queen Mab Speech: allusion “dreams are the children of an idle brain” “dreams are the children of an idle brain” Romeo believes in some vile consequence from the stars. Romeo believes in some vile consequence from the stars.

17. Act I, scene v Comic relief: the servingmen: we go from very serious to funny in order to lighten the mood Comic relief: the servingmen: we go from very serious to funny in order to lighten the mood She is a Jewel in an Ethiop’s ear: metaphor She is a Jewel in an Ethiop’s ear: metaphor Romeo is fickle: Did I love ‘til now? He is young and lacks the experience to know better. Romeo is fickle: Did I love ‘til now? He is young and lacks the experience to know better. Tybalt finds out Romeo is there and wants to fight him. Capulet and Lady Capulet forbid it; Tybalt swears revenge. (foreshadowing) Tybalt finds out Romeo is there and wants to fight him. Capulet and Lady Capulet forbid it; Tybalt swears revenge. (foreshadowing)

18. Act I, scene v You are a saucy boy. You are a princox (Tybalt) You are a saucy boy. You are a princox (Tybalt) Religious imagery (word choice) Religious imagery (word choice) They kiss They kiss Romeo jumps in; Juliet is the voice of moderation (she is level headed and tells him to slow it down). Romeo jumps in; Juliet is the voice of moderation (she is level headed and tells him to slow it down). My only love sprung from my only hate. My only love sprung from my only hate.

19. ACT II, scene I Romeo and Juliet Romeo’s questionable decision: sneaking into the orchard Romeo’s questionable decision: sneaking into the orchard Mercutio and his men can’t find him Mercutio and his men can’t find him

20. Act II, scene ii Romeo and Juliet He jests at scars that never felt a wound (Romeo says Mercutio has never felt like he has felt) He jests at scars that never felt a wound (Romeo says Mercutio has never felt like he has felt) It is the East and Juliet is the sun (metaphor) It is the East and Juliet is the sun (metaphor) Her eyes are two of the fairest stars in heaven (metaphor) Her eyes are two of the fairest stars in heaven (metaphor) Romeo… wherefore art thou Romeo… This does not mean WHERE ARE YOU. It means WHAT are you? Romeo… wherefore art thou Romeo… This does not mean WHERE ARE YOU. It means WHAT are you? What’s in a name… What’s in a name… JULIET DOES NOT KNOW THAT ROMEO HEARS HER. JULIET DOES NOT KNOW THAT ROMEO HEARS HER. **SOLILOQUY: A SPEECH MADE BY ONE PERSON (ALONE ON STAGE), EXPRESSING THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS TO THE AUDIENCE. **SOLILOQUY: A SPEECH MADE BY ONE PERSON (ALONE ON STAGE), EXPRESSING THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS TO THE AUDIENCE.

21. Act II, scene ii Romeo and Juliet Romeo hears her swear her love. It speeds up the relationship. Juliet was acting modest at first. Romeo hears her swear her love. It speeds up the relationship. Juliet was acting modest at first. Juliet questions why he took such a risk to come there. (Romantic pov) He says that loves wings took him there. Realistically, loves wings will not stop a sword. Juliet questions why he took such a risk to come there. (Romantic pov) He says that loves wings took him there. Realistically, loves wings will not stop a sword.

22. Act II, scene ii Romeo and Juliet Swear not on the moon. It changes all the time. Swear not on the moon. It changes all the time. Too like the lightning (simile) Too like the lightning (simile) If thy purpose what?... If thy purpose what?... The cave where echo lies (allusion) The cave where echo lies (allusion) Plan meet at the Friar’s tomorrow to marry them. Plan meet at the Friar’s tomorrow to marry them.

23. Romeo and Juliet Act II, scene iii Friar Laurences soliloquy: very poetic; shows wisdom in herb / medicine metaphor: Friar Laurences soliloquy: very poetic; shows wisdom in herb / medicine metaphor: His message: too little or too much is bad; too fast / too slow is bad His message: too little or too much is bad; too fast / too slow is bad Friar admonishes Romeo for his irrational behavior about Rosaline, then switching to Juliet so soon. Friar admonishes Romeo for his irrational behavior about Rosaline, then switching to Juliet so soon. Friar agrees to marry them despite his warnings. He is going to try and use this to try and bring the families together. Friar agrees to marry them despite his warnings. He is going to try and use this to try and bring the families together. “wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast” “wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast”

24. Act II, scene iv Tybalt sends a letter to Romeo to threaten him. Tybalt sends a letter to Romeo to threaten him. Mercutio recognizes that Romeo is more like himself again. Mercutio recognizes that Romeo is more like himself again. Nurse comes to set up the wedding; she also tells him of Paris. Nurse comes to set up the wedding; she also tells him of Paris.

25. Act II, scene v Juliet’s soliloquy Juliet’s soliloquy The Nurse picks on Juliet by not immediately telling her the news about the wedding. The Nurse picks on Juliet by not immediately telling her the news about the wedding.

26. Act II, scene vi Romeo and Juliet get married Romeo and Juliet get married Friar does not follow his own advice: “these violent delights have violent ends.” Friar does not follow his own advice: “these violent delights have violent ends.” Only Friar and Nurse know of this union. Only Friar and Nurse know of this union.

27. Romeo and Juliet: Act III, scene i Benvolio: foreshadowing: “let’s retire / the day is hot, the Capels are abroad, / and, if we meet, we shall not ‘scape a brawl.” Benvolio: foreshadowing: “let’s retire / the day is hot, the Capels are abroad, / and, if we meet, we shall not ‘scape a brawl.” Mercutio: doesn’t take the threat seriously as this is his character flaw. He is light-hearted about life in every facet. Here, it works against him. Mercutio: doesn’t take the threat seriously as this is his character flaw. He is light-hearted about life in every facet. Here, it works against him.

28. Romeo and Juliet: Act III, scene i Romeo refuses to fight Tybalt. Why? Romeo refuses to fight Tybalt. Why? (dramatic irony) What does Mercutio think? He steps between and is killed. What does Mercutio think? He steps between and is killed. Mercutio curses BOTH families before he dies. Mercutio curses BOTH families before he dies. Romeo, acting impulsively, kills Tybalt. Romeo, acting impulsively, kills Tybalt. What could Romeo HAVE done? What could Romeo HAVE done?

29. Romeo and Juliet: act III, scene ii Juliet’s soliloquy Juliet’s soliloquy Mansion of love: metaphor for her marriage to Romeo Mansion of love: metaphor for her marriage to Romeo Phaeton: allusion; she wants it to be morning Phaeton: allusion; she wants it to be morning Juliet first thinks Romeo is dead; she does not understand why Romeo would kill Tybalt Juliet first thinks Romeo is dead; she does not understand why Romeo would kill Tybalt Nurse is going to get Romeo to stay with her Nurse is going to get Romeo to stay with her Oxymoron: Juliet’s confusion Oxymoron: Juliet’s confusion

30. Romeo and Juliet: act III, scene iii “There is no world without Verona walls.” Romeo doesn’t think about things. He could go somewhere else “There is no world without Verona walls.” Romeo doesn’t think about things. He could go somewhere else “the world is broad and wide” Friar Laurence knows this “the world is broad and wide” Friar Laurence knows this “thou cuttest my head of with a golden axe and smiles upon the stroke that murders me” Romeo thinks that death is better than banishment or that it is the same thing. It simply isn’t. “thou cuttest my head of with a golden axe and smiles upon the stroke that murders me” Romeo thinks that death is better than banishment or that it is the same thing. It simply isn’t.

31. Romeo and Juliet: act III, scene iii Romeo tries to kill himself Romeo tries to kill himself Friar’s monologue: he give reasons as to why Romeo is luck. Friar’s monologue: he give reasons as to why Romeo is luck. Romeo receives the ring; goes to Juliet Romeo receives the ring; goes to Juliet

32. Romeo and Juliet: act III, scene iv Capulet decides to surprise Juliet and make her happy with a surprise marriage to Paris on Thursday (dramatic irony) (situational irony) Capulet decides to surprise Juliet and make her happy with a surprise marriage to Paris on Thursday (dramatic irony) (situational irony)

33. Romeo and Juliet: act III, scene v Romeo has to leave before morning (to Mantua) Romeo has to leave before morning (to Mantua) Juliet lies to her mother about Romeo (says that she would kill him if she had the chance) Juliet lies to her mother about Romeo (says that she would kill him if she had the chance) Juliet’s mother tells her of the marriage to Paris: Juliet tells her mother she would rather marry Romeo (which her mother thinks means that she would rather marry someone she hates) Juliet’s mother tells her of the marriage to Paris: Juliet tells her mother she would rather marry Romeo (which her mother thinks means that she would rather marry someone she hates)

34. Romeo and Juliet: act III, scene v Capulet threatens Juliet * my fingers itch* then he tells her to marry Paris or he will kick her out and disown her. Capulet threatens Juliet * my fingers itch* then he tells her to marry Paris or he will kick her out and disown her. Juliet lies to the Nurse Juliet lies to the Nurse Who does Juliet have left? Who does Juliet have left?

35. Act IV: scene i Conversation between Paris and Friar: concerning marriage (dramatic irony) Conversation between Paris and Friar: concerning marriage (dramatic irony) Juliet threatens to kill herself if the Friar cannot help her. Juliet threatens to kill herself if the Friar cannot help her. Friar’s plan: Friar’s plan: 1. Go home and act happy. 2.Sleep alone Wednesday night (it is Tuesday). 3.drink the potion (sleep for 42 hours) 4. They will bury you; Romeo will meet you at the tomb (via message)

36. Act IV: scene ii and iii Situational and Dramatic Irony: Juliet is happy. Her father moves the wedding up to Wednesday (rather than Thursday). It messes up Friar’s plan. Situational and Dramatic Irony: Juliet is happy. Her father moves the wedding up to Wednesday (rather than Thursday). It messes up Friar’s plan. Juliet has to take the potion tonight (Tuesday night). Juliet has to take the potion tonight (Tuesday night). Juliet’s fears: 1. what if she wakes before Romeo comes. 2. Spirits in the catacombs Juliet’s fears: 1. what if she wakes before Romeo comes. 2. Spirits in the catacombs 3. Being around dead people 4. she might go crazy in the darkness.

37. Act IV: scenes iv and v Scene four: wedding preparation: comic relief: servants Scene four: wedding preparation: comic relief: servants They find Juliet: Capulet’s sorrow: (flower metaphor) They find Juliet: Capulet’s sorrow: (flower metaphor) Comic relief: Servants Comic relief: Servants

38. Act V: scene i Romeo is expecting news from the Friar; he gets news from his servant, Balthasaar Romeo is expecting news from the Friar; he gets news from his servant, Balthasaar Romeo’s dream _ foreshadowing Romeo’s dream _ foreshadowing News from Balthasaar News from Balthasaar Romeo blames the stars / fate Romeo blames the stars / fate Romeo visits the apothecary to get poison Romeo visits the apothecary to get poison (the vial has enough to kill 20 men)

39. Act V, scene ii Friar’s messenger never made it to Romeo Friar’s messenger never made it to Romeo He was stopped as they thought he had the plague. He was stopped as they thought he had the plague. Friar goes to the monument alone; Juliet will awake in three hours Friar goes to the monument alone; Juliet will awake in three hours

40. Act V, scene iii Paris’s soliloquy (is it believable?) Paris’s soliloquy (is it believable?) Romeo tells the servant that he is going to get a ring from Juliet’s finger. He leaves him with a letter. Romeo tells the servant that he is going to get a ring from Juliet’s finger. He leaves him with a letter. Personification: Romeo compares the tomb to a beast that feasts on the dead. Personification: Romeo compares the tomb to a beast that feasts on the dead. Paris tries to stop Romeo; Romeo slays him and lays him in the tomb. Paris tries to stop Romeo; Romeo slays him and lays him in the tomb.

41. Act V, scene iii Romeo’s soliloquy Romeo’s soliloquy Romeo says that death has no power on Juliet’s beauty. Her cheeks are still red, and she does not look dead. (dramatic irony) Romeo says that death has no power on Juliet’s beauty. Her cheeks are still red, and she does not look dead. (dramatic irony) Romeo takes the poison. Romeo takes the poison. Friar arrives; Juliet awakes Friar arrives; Juliet awakes Friar offers to hide her as a nun; then he leaves her in her desperate state Friar offers to hide her as a nun; then he leaves her in her desperate state

42. Act V, scene iii Juliet, alone in desperation, finds Romeo dead, and she takes the dagger and kills herself. Juliet, alone in desperation, finds Romeo dead, and she takes the dagger and kills herself. Everyone comes to the tomb to find everyone dead. Everyone comes to the tomb to find everyone dead. Who died: Mercutio, Tybalt, Paris, Romeo, Juliet, and Lady Montague Who died: Mercutio, Tybalt, Paris, Romeo, Juliet, and Lady Montague Resolution: statue to honor the couples; families come together. Resolution: statue to honor the couples; families come together. Typical tragedy. There is a sense of things getting better, but nothing to resolve the sense of loss from the tragedy. Typical tragedy. There is a sense of things getting better, but nothing to resolve the sense of loss from the tragedy.