Shakespeare

Who is this guy and why do we still learn about him??

Life at the time of Life at the time of ShakespeareShakespeare

No running water. You had to haul it or draw it from a well…if No running water. You had to haul it or draw it from a well…if you had one.you had one.

Food – Summer and Fall were fine as you had fresh food. Food – Summer and Fall were fine as you had fresh food. Winter to spring were the longest seasons as you had to store Winter to spring were the longest seasons as you had to store much of your own food. If you stored enough, you were fine. much of your own food. If you stored enough, you were fine. If you did not….If you did not….There were no refrigerators, or freezers or electricity…There were no refrigerators, or freezers or electricity…

No sewers or indoor plumbing. Maybe you had an outhouse. No sewers or indoor plumbing. Maybe you had an outhouse. Maybe you went in a “Chamber pot” and then tossed it out Maybe you went in a “Chamber pot” and then tossed it out the window in the morning.the window in the morning.

Baths – What is that? Most people bathed, maybe once a Baths – What is that? Most people bathed, maybe once a month or so. There were some who thought it was a sin to month or so. There were some who thought it was a sin to bathe. People would wash their hands and face everyday.bathe. People would wash their hands and face everyday.

Seriously, it was so unsanitary that rats roamed the city. No Seriously, it was so unsanitary that rats roamed the city. No one realized there was a connection between sanitation and one realized there was a connection between sanitation and disease yet.disease yet.

Between 1348 and 1666 there were 16 outbreaks of plague in Between 1348 and 1666 there were 16 outbreaks of plague in the city of London.the city of London.

Typical 17th Century Sea Side village.

Typical Town scene.

Bedroom from that time period.

Cooking for the family.

The rulers of England while The rulers of England while Shakespeare lived.Shakespeare lived.

Queen Elizabeth I King James I

Who is Shakespeare?Who is Shakespeare?

0

50

100

1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

East

West

North

Baptized April 26, 1564 (birth assumed April 23; believed—we don’t Baptized April 26, 1564 (birth assumed April 23; believed—we don’t know! He was baptized on the 26know! He was baptized on the 26thth, so if his family followed tradition, , so if his family followed tradition, he was baptized at about three days of age).he was baptized at about three days of age).

Lived: 1564-1616Lived: 1564-1616

Father: John—successful glove-maker & businessman.Father: John—successful glove-maker & businessman.

Mother—Mary Arden, daughter of John’s landlord.Mother—Mary Arden, daughter of John’s landlord.

Third of 8 kids in this family, and the oldest son.Third of 8 kids in this family, and the oldest son.

Boyhood—no written evidence, however, probably attended Boyhood—no written evidence, however, probably attended Stratford Grammar School.Stratford Grammar School.

1582—married Anne Hathaway, 26, he was 18,1582—married Anne Hathaway, 26, he was 18, they they hadhad to get married! to get married!

The BardThe Bard• Daughter, Susanna, born 1583.Daughter, Susanna, born 1583.

• Twins—Hamnet and Judith, born, 1585. (Hamnet died, 1596, age 11, Twins—Hamnet and Judith, born, 1585. (Hamnet died, 1596, age 11, possibly of the plague, very tragic!)possibly of the plague, very tragic!)

• 1588 – believed to have arrived in London.1588 – believed to have arrived in London.

• 1592 – Bill had been up to something, because he was attacked by English 1592 – Bill had been up to something, because he was attacked by English Dramatist Robert Greene in his book Dramatist Robert Greene in his book Groat’s Worth of Wit.Groat’s Worth of Wit. “..an upstart “..an upstart crow…” crow…”

• 1593 – Had two poems published (The first thing he ever had published) 1593 – Had two poems published (The first thing he ever had published) because the theatres were closed due to plague.because the theatres were closed due to plague.

• 1594, part owner and principle playwright of 1594, part owner and principle playwright of Lord Chamberlain’s Men, Lord Chamberlain’s Men, most prestigious acting company in London.most prestigious acting company in London.

• 1594 (December)– Bill’s first play performed; 1594 (December)– Bill’s first play performed; A Comedy of Errors. A Comedy of Errors. This This after the theatres opened up again after being closed for almost TWO after the theatres opened up again after being closed for almost TWO YEARS.YEARS.

• 1599, company built 1599, company built The Globe TheatreThe Globe Theatre, most of Will’s plays were , most of Will’s plays were performed there.performed there.

Shakespeare’s London:Shakespeare’s London:about 200,000 people lived here.about 200,000 people lived here.

Today there are over 7,000,000 people in London and its suburbs.

The walled city was about one square mile along the Thames River.

This is a satellite picture of London at night. The City of London covers a little over 600 square miles. That is an area that is about 24 miles square.

The Shakes-manThe Shakes-man

Lord Chamberlain’s Men boasted the best acting Lord Chamberlain’s Men boasted the best acting company; the best actor, Richard Burbage, and company; the best actor, Richard Burbage, and thethe

finest playwright; William Shakespeare.finest playwright; William Shakespeare.

• 1603, King James I, took control of the Company 1603, King James I, took control of the Company after Elizabeth I died. He paid it the highest after Elizabeth I died. He paid it the highest tribute by renaming it, tribute by renaming it, The King’s MenThe King’s Men and and personally “backing” or sponsoring itpersonally “backing” or sponsoring it..

• Shakespeare, a major stockholder, continued to Shakespeare, a major stockholder, continued to write and act in plays for the company.write and act in plays for the company.

William’s wayWilliam’s way 1594 – 1610 William wrote plays. He never earned a dime off a 1594 – 1610 William wrote plays. He never earned a dime off a

play. He made his $$ by being part owner of the theatre and the play. He made his $$ by being part owner of the theatre and the performing company. He bought several properties.performing company. He bought several properties.

1610, retired to Stratford, a successful playwright, actor, and 1610, retired to Stratford, a successful playwright, actor, and businessman.businessman.

Died, April 23, 1616, age 52 (if scholars are correct, on his Died, April 23, 1616, age 52 (if scholars are correct, on his Birthday!) Cause of death, unknown. But a report in the Holy Birthday!) Cause of death, unknown. But a report in the Holy Trinity Church indicates he may have had a wee too much to drink Trinity Church indicates he may have had a wee too much to drink the night before. “died of a fever … contracted after a night of the night before. “died of a fever … contracted after a night of drinking with Ben Jonson and Michael Drayton, friends and fellow drinking with Ben Jonson and Michael Drayton, friends and fellow writers.” writers.”

Susanna inherited the bulk of the estate. His other daughter Judith Susanna inherited the bulk of the estate. His other daughter Judith received 300 pounds (There is a story here…). Susanna had one received 300 pounds (There is a story here…). Susanna had one child, Elizabeth, who died childless. Judith had three sons, none child, Elizabeth, who died childless. Judith had three sons, none lived to have children. This means there are NO living lived to have children. This means there are NO living descendants of William Shakespeare! descendants of William Shakespeare!

Shakespeare’s Signature on his will.

The Shakespeare FamilyThe Shakespeare Family

Shakespeare’s granddaughter, Elizabeth

……a a WillingWilling way….. way….. Wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets. He is profoundly influential Wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets. He is profoundly influential

in Western Literature and Culture. Why? Because he took a in Western Literature and Culture. Why? Because he took a language without meaning and by using words and language without meaning and by using words and phrases, gave our English Language much of the meaning it phrases, gave our English Language much of the meaning it has today. He also wrote plays and poems which caused has today. He also wrote plays and poems which caused the reader or audience to the reader or audience to thinkthink. Unheard of at the time.. Unheard of at the time.

Shakespeare’s plays were performed at the courts of Queen Shakespeare’s plays were performed at the courts of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I more frequently than those of Elizabeth I and King James I more frequently than those of any other dramatist of that time. any other dramatist of that time.

He is considered the Greatest English writer and master of He is considered the Greatest English writer and master of characterization.characterization.

Plays are still produced, read, and studied, etc. 400 years Plays are still produced, read, and studied, etc. 400 years later.later.

His Plays are divided into three His Plays are divided into three categories.categories.

Comedies Comedies All's Well That Ends WellAs You Like ItComedy of Errors

Love's Labour's LostMeasure for MeasureMerchant of VeniceMerry Wives of WindsorMidsummer Night's DreamMuch Ado about NothingTaming of the ShrewTempestTwelfth NightTwo Gentlemen of VeronaWinter's Tale

Next….Next…. HistoriesHistories CymbelineHenry IV, Part IHenry IV, Part IIHenry V

Henry VI, Part IHenry VI, Part IIHenry VI, Part IIIHenry VIIIKing JohnPericlesRichard IIRichard III

One more…One more…

TragediesTragedies Antony and CleopatraCoriolanusHamlet

Julius CaesarKing LearMacbethOthelloOthelloRomeo and JulietRomeo and JulietTimon of AthensTimon of AthensTitus AndronicusTitus AndronicusTroilus and CressidaTroilus and Cressida

The Elizabethan StageThe Elizabethan Stage““Elizabethan”Elizabethan” after Queen after Queen

ElizabethElizabeth The Globe was an “open air” theatre that held about 3000 spectators—the The Globe was an “open air” theatre that held about 3000 spectators—the

“wooden o” concept.“wooden o” concept.

It was built across the River Thames so it was ‘outside’ of town. Beyond It was built across the River Thames so it was ‘outside’ of town. Beyond the City Council’s ability to control it. There were many who did not like the City Council’s ability to control it. There were many who did not like the theatres; the authorities did not like crowds, and many people feared the theatres; the authorities did not like crowds, and many people feared crowds spread the plague!crowds spread the plague!

• Performances were every day but Sunday from 2 to 5 in the afternoon.Performances were every day but Sunday from 2 to 5 in the afternoon.

• A raised flag and a trumpet fanfare proclaimed a show at 2—black-tragedy, A raised flag and a trumpet fanfare proclaimed a show at 2—black-tragedy, white-comedy, & red-history.white-comedy, & red-history.

• As patrons entered the theatre, they would drop their admission into a boxAs patrons entered the theatre, they would drop their admission into a box—hence “box office”.—hence “box office”.

• Vendors offered beer, water, oranges, nuts, gingerbread, and apples, all of Vendors offered beer, water, oranges, nuts, gingerbread, and apples, all of which were occasionally thrown at the actors. Hazelnuts were the most which were occasionally thrown at the actors. Hazelnuts were the most popular snack … the Elizabethan equivalent of Raisinets.popular snack … the Elizabethan equivalent of Raisinets.

The Stage, continued…The Stage, continued… There were no restrooms for 3000 people, nor There were no restrooms for 3000 people, nor

intermissions, intermissions, remember… few Elizabethans bathed regularly!remember… few Elizabethans bathed regularly!

• There was no producer or director; the actors were in There was no producer or director; the actors were in complete control of the production.complete control of the production.

• Scenery and props were minimal. Actors described the Scenery and props were minimal. Actors described the setting through dialogue.setting through dialogue.

• Costumes were elaborate, spangled affairs of gold, lace, silk Costumes were elaborate, spangled affairs of gold, lace, silk and velvet in styles of the day.and velvet in styles of the day.

• Actors wore make-up, an abomination to the Puritans!Actors wore make-up, an abomination to the Puritans!

The GlobeThe Globe

A cutaway look at the GlobeA cutaway look at the Globe

The Globe ….StageThe Globe ….Stage

More on More on The Globe The Globe

Women were forbidden to act on the public Women were forbidden to act on the public stage, thus, female roles were played by stage, thus, female roles were played by prepubescent boys! (Yes! Juliet was a boy!)prepubescent boys! (Yes! Juliet was a boy!)

Rehearsal time was minimal. Actors learned Rehearsal time was minimal. Actors learned their parts in about a week. A leading man their parts in about a week. A leading man might have to memorize 800 lines a day.might have to memorize 800 lines a day.

• A leading man would learn and retain over 70 A leading man would learn and retain over 70 roles in three years.roles in three years.

The GlobeThe Globe shines on… shines on…

Like most other playhouses, Like most other playhouses, The GlobeThe Globe had its had its own company, which was under the patronage of own company, which was under the patronage of a nobleman.a nobleman.

• Plays belonged to the acting company and not to Plays belonged to the acting company and not to the playwright. Shakespeare didn’t own or have the playwright. Shakespeare didn’t own or have any right to publish his own plays. His plays any right to publish his own plays. His plays weren’t published until after his death. weren’t published until after his death.

• The patron system grew out of the Puritan city The patron system grew out of the Puritan city fathers’ decision not to permit a “masterless” fathers’ decision not to permit a “masterless” man, regarded as “unemployed” and a threat to man, regarded as “unemployed” and a threat to law and order.law and order.

The Globe….InsideThe Globe….Inside

The GlobeThe Globe meets its meets its “match”…“match”…

• The Globe burned down in 1613, when a The Globe burned down in 1613, when a prop cannon exploded during the first-night prop cannon exploded during the first-night performance of performance of Henry VIIIHenry VIII. One man’s . One man’s breeches were set afire —and were doused breeches were set afire —and were doused with beer. The only other casualty was the with beer. The only other casualty was the playhouse itself; needless to say, the play playhouse itself; needless to say, the play had a short run.had a short run.

• After 70 years, the Puritans at last After 70 years, the Puritans at last triumphed. In August 1642, Parliament triumphed. In August 1642, Parliament passed an ordinance that shut down all the passed an ordinance that shut down all the theatres.theatres.

The GlobeThe Globe shall rise again. shall rise again.• In February,1989, archaeologists found the remains of In February,1989, archaeologists found the remains of The The

RoseRose playhouse, Shakespeare’s original theatre. Then, on playhouse, Shakespeare’s original theatre. Then, on October 12October 12thth, they unearthed , they unearthed The GlobeThe Globe..

• The GlobeThe Globe may have had as many as 20 sides because it took may have had as many as 20 sides because it took so many to make it look circular.so many to make it look circular.

• The GlobeThe Globe that was found was a combination of the 1 that was found was a combination of the 1stst one one which burned down in 1613 AND the 2which burned down in 1613 AND the 2ndnd, which was rebuilt on , which was rebuilt on the same site and pulled down in 1644 when all the theatres the same site and pulled down in 1644 when all the theatres closed.closed.

• For many years, Sam Wanamaker battled for the right to For many years, Sam Wanamaker battled for the right to rebuild rebuild The GlobeThe Globe near its original Southwark site. At times, near its original Southwark site. At times, the fight mirrored a Shakespearean play—hostile city fathers, the fight mirrored a Shakespearean play—hostile city fathers, prejudicesprejudices

against actors, and restrictions over land use. In the end, the against actors, and restrictions over land use. In the end, the ‘new’ Globe was built about 200 yards from the original site.‘new’ Globe was built about 200 yards from the original site.

The Gate of the New GlobeThe Gate of the New Globe

The Power of WilliamThe Power of William His contemporary Ben Jonson declared him “not of an age, His contemporary Ben Jonson declared him “not of an age,

but for all time.” but for all time.”

Although his works were regularly staged in the late 17th Although his works were regularly staged in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, theater companies hardly treated and early 18th centuries, theater companies hardly treated his plays with reverence. When they performed the plays, his plays with reverence. When they performed the plays, they most often used versions rewritten for the fashions of they most often used versions rewritten for the fashions of the age, “purged”—as their adaptors maintained—of their the age, “purged”—as their adaptors maintained—of their coarseness and absurdities. coarseness and absurdities.

The views of the romantic movement have in many ways The views of the romantic movement have in many ways been cemented during the 20th century. Institutions such been cemented during the 20th century. Institutions such as the Folger Shakespeare Library, established in the United as the Folger Shakespeare Library, established in the United States in 1932, and the Royal Shakespeare Company, States in 1932, and the Royal Shakespeare Company, founded in Britain in 1961, have ensured that founded in Britain in 1961, have ensured that Shakespeare’s work remains a central icon of Western Shakespeare’s work remains a central icon of Western culture. culture.

The Final CurtainThe Final Curtain Shakespeare can be enjoyed all over the world. There are Shakespeare can be enjoyed all over the world. There are

many festivals and companies which produce wonderful many festivals and companies which produce wonderful performances:performances:

• The Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-AvonThe Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon• The New Globe Theatre, LondonThe New Globe Theatre, London• The New York Shakespeare FestivalThe New York Shakespeare Festival• The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, OregonThe Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, Oregon• The Utah Shakespeare Festival, Cedar City, UtahThe Utah Shakespeare Festival, Cedar City, Utah• The Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Stratford, Ontario, The Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Stratford, Ontario,

CanadaCanada• Your Local Theater!Your Local Theater!• The Cinema!The Cinema!

Shakespeare’s Homes todayShakespeare’s Homes today

His Birth Home His “New Place”

Shakespeare in Love – One of Shakespeare in Love – One of many movies…many movies…

More Shakespeare moviesMore Shakespeare movies

Why study this guy?!?!Why study this guy?!?!

Examples of Shakespeare’s genius include: the Examples of Shakespeare’s genius include: the richness of his literary devices; the compelling richness of his literary devices; the compelling drama of his plots; the penetrating nature of his drama of his plots; the penetrating nature of his characterizations; the universal interest and characterizations; the universal interest and appeal in his dialogs and monologues; his appeal in his dialogs and monologues; his delightful sense of humor; his enduring wisdom delightful sense of humor; his enduring wisdom and wit; and his many famous, unforgettable lines. and wit; and his many famous, unforgettable lines.

Given the magnitude of his contribution, it is no Given the magnitude of his contribution, it is no wonder that E.D. Hirsch, well known cultural wonder that E.D. Hirsch, well known cultural literacy professor from the University of Virginia, literacy professor from the University of Virginia, insists that a healthy knowledge of Shakespeare is insists that a healthy knowledge of Shakespeare is essential to a basic, “cultural literacy.”essential to a basic, “cultural literacy.”

Why learn about him???Why learn about him??? We study Shakespeare because;We study Shakespeare because;

He tells us so much about human nature. He tells us so much about human nature. This is probably one of the majorThis is probably one of the major reasons why Shakespeare's plays are still watched and studied. If the things hereasons why Shakespeare's plays are still watched and studied. If the things he wrote about were not the perennial aspects of human nature, we wouldn't bewrote about were not the perennial aspects of human nature, we wouldn't be interested in watching the plays any more.interested in watching the plays any more.

He reveals to us so much about our own natures. He reveals to us so much about our own natures. This fits in with the above.This fits in with the above. Because we recognize so much about ourselves and understand ourselves betterBecause we recognize so much about ourselves and understand ourselves better when we watch and read Shakespeare, we go on doing so through the ages.when we watch and read Shakespeare, we go on doing so through the ages.

He is a brilliant dramatist. He is a brilliant dramatist. Shakespeare might have lots of profound things to sayShakespeare might have lots of profound things to say to us, but we wouldn't watch the plays unless they worked as drama. Theto us, but we wouldn't watch the plays unless they worked as drama. The experience of watching the plays is entertaining and spectacular as well asexperience of watching the plays is entertaining and spectacular as well as revealing many things about life to us.revealing many things about life to us.

He is a great poet. He is a great poet. The plays are full of memorable passages of poetry, whichThe plays are full of memorable passages of poetry, which along with all Shakespeare's other achievements, contributes to the enduringalong with all Shakespeare's other achievements, contributes to the enduring success of his plays.success of his plays.

More??More?? And here’s still another way of looking at it:And here’s still another way of looking at it: People who have studied Shakespeare:People who have studied Shakespeare: Have a broader view of the world in general.Have a broader view of the world in general. Have little trouble in other literature classes.Have little trouble in other literature classes. Do well in logic and philosophy.Do well in logic and philosophy. Appreciate other art forms as well: music, drama, art, Appreciate other art forms as well: music, drama, art,

costume, writing.costume, writing. Have an easier time grasping the concepts of character, Have an easier time grasping the concepts of character,

plot, irony, universal truth, advanced vocabulary, etc.plot, irony, universal truth, advanced vocabulary, etc. Understand concepts in clear speaking.Understand concepts in clear speaking. Have a broader view of important historical events.Have a broader view of important historical events. Have a greater understanding of human nature (greed, Have a greater understanding of human nature (greed,

faithfulness, love, power, gentleness, poor choices, honesty, faithfulness, love, power, gentleness, poor choices, honesty, integrity, popularity, danger, patriotism, selfishness, self-integrity, popularity, danger, patriotism, selfishness, self-sacrifice, etc.)sacrifice, etc.)

Why was this guy a genius??Why was this guy a genius??

The English language owes a great The English language owes a great debt to Shakespeare. He invented debt to Shakespeare. He invented over 1700 of our common words by over 1700 of our common words by changing nouns into verbs, changing changing nouns into verbs, changing verbs into adjectives, connecting verbs into adjectives, connecting words never before used together, words never before used together, adding prefixes and suffixes, and adding prefixes and suffixes, and devising words wholly original. devising words wholly original.

Here are some of the words Here are some of the words attributed to Bill…attributed to Bill…

Academe, Accused, Addiction, advertising, amazement, Academe, Accused, Addiction, advertising, amazement, arouse, assassination, backing, Bandit, bedroom, beached, arouse, assassination, backing, Bandit, bedroom, beached, besmirch, birthplace, blanket, bloodstained, barefaced, besmirch, birthplace, blanket, bloodstained, barefaced, Blushing, bet, bump, buzzer, caked, cater, champion, Blushing, bet, bump, buzzer, caked, cater, champion, circumstantial, cold-blooded, Compromise, courtship, circumstantial, cold-blooded, Compromise, courtship, countless, critic, dauntless, dawn, deafening, discontent, countless, critic, dauntless, dawn, deafening, discontent, dishearten, drugged, dwindle, epileptic, equivocal, elbow, dishearten, drugged, dwindle, epileptic, equivocal, elbow, excitement, exposure, eyeball, fashionable, fixture, flawed, excitement, exposure, eyeball, fashionable, fixture, flawed, frugal, generous, gloomy, gossip, green-eyed, gust, hint, frugal, generous, gloomy, gossip, green-eyed, gust, hint, hobnob, hurried, impede, impartial, invulnerable, jaded, hobnob, hurried, impede, impartial, invulnerable, jaded, label, lackluster, laughable, lonely, lower, luggage, lustrous, label, lackluster, laughable, lonely, lower, luggage, lustrous, madcap, majestic, marketable, metamorphize, mimic, madcap, majestic, marketable, metamorphize, mimic, Monumental, moonbeam, mountaineer, negotiate, Monumental, moonbeam, mountaineer, negotiate, noiseless, obscene, obsequiously, ode, Olympian, outbreak, noiseless, obscene, obsequiously, ode, Olympian, outbreak, panders, pedant, premeditated, puking, radiance, rant, panders, pedant, premeditated, puking, radiance, rant, remorseless, savagery, scuffle, secure, skim milk, remorseless, savagery, scuffle, secure, skim milk, submerge, summit, swagger, torture, tranquil, undress, submerge, summit, swagger, torture, tranquil, undress, unreal, varied, vaulting, worthless, zanyunreal, varied, vaulting, worthless, zany