2. Discussion  What kinds of topics from Shakespeare's work might still be important topics today?  Love, comedy, courage, and evil.

3. Discussion  Why is Shakespeare considered a great writer?  He wrote many plays and poems. His language was rich with imagery, and his ideas still connect with our lives today.

4. The Theater in England and Spain  The Elizabethan era in England: The reign of Queen Elizabeth I included a great cultural flowering. The drama of William Shakespeare was especially notable.  Spanish drama: Touring theater companies brought the latest Spanish plays to all parts of Spain's empire. Lope de Vega became the most well known Spanish dramatist of the time.

5. Shakespeare  The Globe Theater: In his plays, Shakespeare shows a remarkable understanding of the human condition. Elizabethan theaters sold tickets at different prices so that both rich and poor could enjoy the plays of Shakespeare and others.  A universal genius: Shakespeare, a master of the written word, also became famous for a form of poetry called the sonnet.

9. Discussion  Why do you think the Globe Theatre was attractive to audiences?  The theater's round layout made the audience part of the show.

10. Spain's Golden Age of Literature  Miguel de Cervantes and Don Quixote: The "golden age" of Spanish literature was crowned by a single book: Miguel de Cervantes's Don Quixote. The book tells of a man who imagines he is a knight and another man who joins him as a squire. It skillfully blends the worlds of dreams and reality.  Spanish theater and Lope de Vega: Lope de Vega's many plays are notable for their wit and dramatic action.

12. Discussion  What is the value of reading literature from the Golden Age?  It is important to read great works even if they are from long ago. The works have something to tell us about life.