The English Renaissance Kings, Queens, and Drama

The English Renaissance

Kings, Queens, and Drama

The Beginnings of an Awakening

Renaissance in England happened much later than in ItalyDue to: Hundred Years’ War

Ended 1453England vs. France

War of the Roses (ended 1485)Lancaster family vs. York familyTudor family is accepted as ruler by both

Early Tudor Kings

King Henry VII Built up trade Brought peace

King Henry VIII Encouraged art,

literature, music, leisure Broke away from

Catholic Church, started Anglican Church (so he could divorce his wives)

Queen Elizabeth

Crowned in 1588Well-traveled and well-educated English Renaissance peaked during her reignMany nobles write poetryFolk musicNobles copy Italian styles, mannersTheater becomes popular

“I have already joined myself in marriage to a husband, namely the kingdom of England.” (Elizabeth to Parliament)

William Shakespeare(1558-1616)

One of the best known English playwrights

Revived Greek comedies and tragedies

Some plays dealt with ancient Roman subjects; many took place in Italy

Shakespeare’s theater

Globe Theater, London

Open air… plays in afternoon

Theater was built in round shape

Simple props and costumes

All male actors

All social classes attended plays; poorer people stood in front

The Globe, reconstructed in London today. The original burned down.

Inside today’s Globe theater. Architects have kept the interior as authentic as possible.

Diagram of Globe Theater setup

Shakespeare’s contributions

38 plays, including Macbeth, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet

Poetry and sonnets

Developed iambic pentameter

Popularized theater to nobles and commoners alike

Shakespeare’s contributions: words and

phrases“I’ll not budge an inch.” (from Taming of the Shrew)

“on purpose” (from Comedy of Errors)

“good riddance” (from Trolius and Cressida)

“for goodness’ sake” (from Henry VIII)

Shakespeare’s contributions: words and

phrasesInvented over 3,000 (!) English words including:bedroomgloomyswagger unrealdawn lovely

SourcesHuman Heritage by Mariam Gleenblatt and Peter Lemmo.Globe Theater online, www.shakespeares-globe.org http://shakespeare.about.com/library/weekly/aa042400a.htmWilliam Shakespeare: Master Playwright. (Calliope World History Series)