Intro to William Shakespeare

1. William Shakespeare Who was William Shakespeare? Explore the fascinating life and work of one of the greatest poets and playwrights of all time.

2. Who was he? He was: • a poet • a playwright • an actor

4. William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language and the world's preeminent dramatist. He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in April 1564 and died there in April 1616. Shakespeare's plays encompass a wide range of genres, including tragedies, comedies, and historical plays. Some of his most famous tragedies include "Hamlet," "Macbeth," "Othello," and "Romeo and Juliet." His comedies, such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Much Ado About Nothing," and "Twelfth Night," are known for their wit, wordplay, and complex plots. Shakespeare's historical plays, such as "Richard III" and "Henry V," often depicted English history and the lives of monarchs.

5. Shakespeare's works are characterized by their poetic language, vivid characters, and exploration of universal themes such as love, ambition, power, and human nature. He is known for his mastery of language, his ability to create memorable characters, and his insightful portrayal of the human condition. Despite his enduring literary legacy, relatively little is known about Shakespeare's personal life. He married Anne Hathaway in 1582, and they had three children together. He spent most of his working life in London, where he became a successful playwright and member of the theatrical company known as the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later renamed the King's Men. Shakespeare's plays were performed at the Globe Theatre, which he co-owned.

6. Shakespeare's works have been translated into every major language and have been performed more often than those of any other playwright. His plays continue to be studied, performed, and enjoyed by audiences around the world, making him an influential figure in literature and theater. His works have had a profound impact on the English language, introducing numerous words and phrases that are still in use today.

7. Shakespeare's works have been translated into every major language and have been performed more often than those of any other playwright. His plays continue to be studied, performed, and enjoyed by audiences around the world, making him an influential figure in literature and theater. His works have had a profound impact on the English language, introducing numerous words and phrases that are still in use today.

8. Some important facts about sonnets to remember for the quiz.

9. What is a sonnet? The term, sonnet, is derived from the Italian word, sonetto, meaning little song Two main types of sonnets: Italian (Petrarchian) and English (Shakespearean) All sonnets have 14 lines, employ a strict rhyme scheme, and a logical structure

10. All Shakespearean sonnets employ the following rhyme scheme: ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GG Each grouping of four lines is called a quatrain. There are three quatrains in each sonnet. The final two lines, which rhyme themselves, are called a couplet. Each sonnet also includes a Volta, a shift in tone or thought. Shakespearean Sonnets

11. Iambic Pentameter: lines of poetry that can be divided into 5 metric feet with alternately unstressed and stressed syllables. 10 syllables per line; every other syllable is stressed EXAMPLE: My name/ is John/ I love/to go/ to school Iambic Pentameter

14. Chances are, you’ve quoted Shakespeare without even knowing it! Have you ever said the following... Why study Shakespeare?

15. “in a pickle” “It’s Greek to me.” “Too much of a good thing.”

16. “as luck would have it” “dead as a door-nail” “foul play”

17. “a laughing stock” “send me packing” “without rhyme or reason”