1. Introduction to Shakespeare

2. William Shakespeare Born 1564, died 1616 Wrote 37 plays
Wrote over 150 sonnets
Actor, poet, playwright

3. Types of Plays Shakespeare wrote:
Comedies - light and amusing, usually with a happy ending
Tragedies –serious dramas with disastrous endings
Histories – involve events or persons from history

4. The Theatre The Globe Theatre: Open ceiling Three stories high
No artificial lighting
Plays were shown during daylight hours only

5. Spectators Wealthy people got to sit on benches
The poor (called “groundlings”) had to stand and watch from the courtyard
There was much more audience participation than today

6. Actors Only men and boys
Young boys whose voices had not changed played the women’s roles
It would have been indecent for a woman to appear on stage

7. Romeo and Juliet Considered a tragedy
Tells the story of two teenagers who risk everything for love
Shakespeare is exploring which is stronger: love or hate

8. The Montagues Lord Montague – father of Romeo
Lady Montague – mother of Romeo
Romeo Montague – in love with Juliet
Benvolio – nephew of Montague and friend of Romeo
Balthasar – servant to Romeo
Abram – servant to Montague

9. The Capulets Lord Capulet – father of Juliet
Lady Capulet – mother of Juliet
Juliet Capulet – in love with Romeo
Tybalt – nephew of Lady Capulet
Nurse – takes care of Juliet
Peter – servant to Juliet’s Nurse

10. Other Characters Prince Escalus – ruler of Verona
Mercutio – kinsman of the Prince and friend of Romeo
Friar Laurence – a Franciscan priest
Friar John – another Franciscan priest
Count Paris – a young nobleman

11. Things to think about…
What would you do if your parents did not approve of someone you were dating?
How important is the opinion of your family in decisions that you make?
Does violence solve problems?