William Shakespeare 1564-1616 The be-all and end-all of
dramatists CLICK ON SPEAKER TO HEAR SOUND
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CHILDHOOD Born in Stratford-upon-Avon Son of a glove-maker
Grammar school education (6am-6pm) boys studied
Latin:Cicero,Virgil,Ovid, and Seneca Developed a vocabulary more
than 50,000 words His writing reveals a knowledge of a wide variety
of subjects:Music, law, seamanship, the Bible, military science,
the stage art, politics, history, psychology, hunting, woodcraft,
animal husbandry, and sports
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ADULTHOOD At 18 he married Ann Hathaway who was 26. Lord
Chamberlains Men. In 1592 and 1594, the theatres of London were
closed the plague. He wrote poetry; considered himself a better
poet than playwright. His works have been translated into more
languages than any book besides the Bible
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Shakespeare and Language: English language was rapidly growing;
new words and phrases No dictionaries or grammar books; Will coined
many words himself: Assassination, courtship, critic, critical,
disgraceful, dishearten, distrustful,dwindle,eventful, exposure,
fretful, gloomy, lonely, misplaced, recall, monumental,
suspicious
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Shakespeare the Playwright: Wrote a total of 36 plays Known for
having written Histories: Henry Iv Comedies: Much Ado About Nothing
Tragedies: Hamlet, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet He borrowed most of
his plots from other sources and wasnt always faithful to
historical accuracy
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Did he or didnt he? Debate about author of Shakespeare's plays
Possible authors: Francis Bacon, Christopher Marlowe or Edward De
vere However, Shakespeare's authorship not questioned in
Shakespeares time Folios written long after plays had been shown
many times
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His Audiences: Audiences were enthralled by language An
auditorynot visualaudience. Those who could pay more sat in the
seats surrounding the stage. The poorer crowd stood as groundings
and paid a penny for admittance. All social classes, attended the
plays Playwrights had the challenge of keeping everyone
entertained.
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Shakespeare's themes Shakespeares crowd enjoyed viewing:
Supernatural spirits, instant madness, and realistic dueling tales
of monarchys intrigues powerful characters in splendid
costumes
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Active Audiences Shakespeares audiences were active throughout
the performances The actors addressed the audience, and members of
the audience often spoke back Norrie Epstein claims that the
average Elizabethan yelled, hooted, snacked, and chatted.
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Environment History suggests that play going was most likely a
smelly experience There were no bathrooms People relieved
themselves inside People rarely bathed
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The Theatre: Awnings covered the stage and gallery seats. Not
in the city of London, but on the South Bank of Thames. In 1574
public plays banished from the city by an ordinance for corruptions
of the youth and other enormities (opportunities for prostitutes
and thieves)
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The Performances: Performances took place between two and five
in the afternoon Advertising of plays was prohibited a raised flag
and a trumpet fanfare announced the beginning of the performance A
black flag meant tragedy, a white flag, a comedy, and a red flag,
history
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Performances cont. Vendors sold beer, water, oranges, nuts,
gingerbread, and apples Up to 30 plays were performed in 1 season
customarily the program changed daily.
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Scenery was simple Audiences had to use their imaginations
Instead of lighting technicians and panel,Horatio in Hamlet says,
But look, the morn is russet mantle clad Walks oer the dew of yon
high eastward hill.
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Scenery cont.. Elaborate and extravagant costumes, often
donated by aristocratic patrons Musical accompaniment All parts
played by males (prepubescent choir boys played female parts)
