1. SHAKESPEARE A LIFE OF DRAMA

2. WHY ARE WE SO IMPRESSED WITH SHAKESPEARE? Many scholars are impressed with Shakespeare because he was considered “revolutionary” for his time While Shakespeare borrowed many of his ideas from plays and characters that came before him, many were blown away with the hold he had over the English language. He was considered to have a very high level of insight into the human experience

3. A LITTLE BACKGROUND… Born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Born during time of the plague– it is a miracle that Shakespeare even survived during this tumultuous time Born to John and Mary Shakespeare John= a glover and leatherworker Mary= born and raised on a farm—raised William to be very disciplined Was one of three children– other two siblings (sisters) died in infancy **John also did a lot of money lending and wool dealings– he was able to rise up the social ladder very quickly and became a prominent member of his community**

4. EARLY LIFE Shakespeare never attended university Interested in the lives of the Roman Not much is known about Shakespeare’s younger life, including his 20’s– these are considered his “lost years” During this time we DO KNOW that his father’s business dealings went bad, he married an older woman Anne Hathaway, and ended up living in London ten years later Many speculated about the possibilities of what Shakespeare was doing during this time: sailor, soldier, schoolmaster, travels

5. SHAKESPEARE’S MARRIAGE Thought to be a loveless marriage- much of Shakespeare’s own plays involve marital problems (many thought this was an indication of how his own marriage was going) In one play, he even states never to marry an older woman Had 3 children: 2 girls, 1 boy (Susannah, Hamnet, Judith) After getting into the London scene, Shakespeare left his family behind to pursue a career in writing and acting. He still paid visits to his family during this time, but much of his time was spent producing his plays.

6. CAREER Shakespeare was a known actor and writer by 1592. He had begun at this time to write Two Gentlemen of Verona and Henry VI part 1 Wrote a vast range of material from sonnets to plays (comedies, tragedies, histories) 1596 put a minor halt to his career– his only son and heir to all of his wealth died (cause unknown) Late 1590’s—many plays were better developed to reflect his life experiences

7. THEATER EXPERIENCE First theater– asked to close down because plays were seen as “ungodly” Rebuilt new theater in Suffolk—called Globe Theater (Shakespeare owned 10% -- where much of wealth came from) Plays were performed with little to no props or scenery Men played all roles, including the roles of females Shakespeare sometimes acted in his own plays

8. 1600’S Plays written in the 1600’s were the more disturbing, dramatic of his plays which went in even more depth/ explored humans 1603- King James I took throne and Shakespeare’s acting troupe became known as “The King’s Men” (actors of court and king) His last years of writing were considered his best 1613- Shakespeare retired due to a fire that destroyed The Globe Theater Theater WAS rebuilt, however Shakespeare did not take part in it

9. SHAKESPEARE’S DEATH Died on his birthday, April 23, 1616 His daughter, Susannah, was left with most of his possessions from his will Anne Hathaway was left his “second best bed” Shakespeare died without ever seeing his plays formally published (1623)