“ Shakesperience ”

1. An Introduction to William Shakespeare and His Life “Shakesperience”

2. William Shakespeare

3. The Person • Born at Stratford upon Avon 1564 • Parents: John Shakespeare and Mary Arden Shakespeare • Married Anne Hathaway in 1582 when he was 18 years old (had three children together) • Moved to London to begin acting around 1585 (left his family behind) ; he began writing plays which even the Queen enjoyed

4. Stratford upon Avon Stratford is a town situated on the Avon River in England.

5. He was both talented in his skill and in his understanding of human nature. Gifted Writer Common themes related to the sins of man and the consequences of those sins. He wrote history plays, comedies, tragedies, and sonnets (a specific kind of poetry). He is thought to have been one of the translators of the King James Bible. Some feel he was the greatest playwright of all time.

6. He began his career during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. This era (1558-1603) is often referred to as the “Elizabethan Era.”

7. Some of his most famous works include • Romeo and Juliet • Hamlet • Macbeth • Julius Caesar • A Midsummer’s Night Dream • The Merchant of Venice • A Comedy of Errors Love’s Labours Lost The Taming of the Shrew Henry V Two Gentlemen of Verona Othello Much Ado About Nothing

8. Tragedy versus Comedy • A tragedy is a literary form which brings strong emotion because of defeat or suffering on the part of the main character or characters • CONTAINS SADNESS AND GRIEF • A comedy is a form of literature that uses wit, humor, sarcasm, and ridicule to entertain the reader or the audience. • CREATES LAUGHTER OR HAPPINESS

9. The Globe Theatre: In Shakespeare’s day, many of his plays were performed at the famous Globe Theatre. His plays were supported by King James I after Queen Elizabeth died.

10. The Globe had standing room only “seating” for poor people, while rich patrons sat in covered sections that were tiered along the high walls. The poor people were called “penny knaves” because their admission was only one penny. They were often a crude and rude audience, and would throw things at the actors if theydidn’t like the play. Shakespeare added bawdy humor to keep their interest. Careful readers will notice these “jokes.”

11. “Night’s candles are burnt out, and jocund day Stands tiptoe on the misty mountain tops…” Romeo and Juliet, Act III, Scene 5