William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare

His BirthHis Birth

Shakespeare was born in Stratford-Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 26, 1564.upon-Avon on April 26, 1564.

Often called England’s national poet, Often called England’s national poet, “The Bard of Avon,” or simply “The “The Bard of Avon,” or simply “The Bard”Bard”

Responsible for 38 plays and 154 Responsible for 38 plays and 154 sonnets (that we know of)sonnets (that we know of)

At 18, he married 26-year-old Anne At 18, he married 26-year-old Anne Hathaway, who bore him three children.Hathaway, who bore him three children.

Portrait and Coat of ArmsPortrait and Coat of Arms

““The Lost Years”The Lost Years”

Not much is known about Shakespeare Not much is known about Shakespeare between 1585 and 1592, giving this time between 1585 and 1592, giving this time period the name of “the lost years.”period the name of “the lost years.”

However, in 1592, he was well known However, in 1592, he was well known enough on the London stage to be enough on the London stage to be criticized by the playwright Robert criticized by the playwright Robert Greene.Greene.

Greene’s criticism was the first mention Greene’s criticism was the first mention of Shakespeare’s name in the arena of of Shakespeare’s name in the arena of theater.theater.

The BeginningThe Beginning

Most Shakespearean Most Shakespearean scholars assume his scholars assume his career began career began anywhere from the anywhere from the mid-1580s to right mid-1580s to right before Greene’s before Greene’s remarks.remarks.

From 1594 on, his From 1594 on, his plays were performed plays were performed by his own troupe, the by his own troupe, the Lord Chamberlain’s Lord Chamberlain’s men.men.

The Lord Chamberlain’s MenThe Lord Chamberlain’s Men

Originally patronized by Queen Originally patronized by Queen Elizabeth, the LCM changed their Elizabeth, the LCM changed their name in 1603 to the King’s Men name in 1603 to the King’s Men when James I ascended to the throne when James I ascended to the throne and continued to support them.and continued to support them.

In 1599, the LCM built Shakespeare’s In 1599, the LCM built Shakespeare’s theater, The Globe.theater, The Globe.

The original Globe was destroyed by The original Globe was destroyed by a fire in 1613; it was rebuilt in 1614 a fire in 1613; it was rebuilt in 1614 and closed again in 1642.and closed again in 1642.

The GlobeThe Globe

The GlobeThe Globe

The Globe was set up in a familiar style: The Globe was set up in a familiar style: balconies around the stage for wealthy balconies around the stage for wealthy members of society, a small landing behind members of society, a small landing behind the stage as well (for the balcony scene in the stage as well (for the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet), and a door behind the Romeo and Juliet), and a door behind the stage to keep costumes and props.stage to keep costumes and props.

The wide-open portion in front of the stage The wide-open portion in front of the stage with no seats was called the pit; the poor with no seats was called the pit; the poor individuals who stood in this section during individuals who stood in this section during the play were referred to as “groundlings.”the play were referred to as “groundlings.”

The GlobeThe Globe

HamletHamlet

Shakespeare wrote Shakespeare wrote HamletHamlet between 1599 between 1599 and 1601.and 1601.

The play is set in The play is set in Denmark and recounts Denmark and recounts how Hamlet, the how Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, prince of Denmark, exacts revenge on his exacts revenge on his uncle Claudius for uncle Claudius for killing his father with killing his father with poison and marrying poison and marrying his mother.his mother.

HamletHamlet

Three different Three different versions of versions of HamletHamlet have survived: the have survived: the First Quarto (Q1), First Quarto (Q1), Second Quarto (Q2), Second Quarto (Q2), and First Folio (F1) and First Folio (F1) versions. All have lines versions. All have lines or scenes missing from or scenes missing from the others.the others.

Shakespeare most Shakespeare most likely based Hamlet on likely based Hamlet on the story of Amleth, a the story of Amleth, a legend from Anglo-legend from Anglo-Saxon literature.Saxon literature.

ThemesThemes

Nation as a Diseased Body-Notice that Nation as a Diseased Body-Notice that the health of Denmark is constantly the health of Denmark is constantly referred toreferred to

The Mystery of Death and the Nature The Mystery of Death and the Nature of Suicide-Relates both to the death of of Suicide-Relates both to the death of Hamlet’s father and to Ophelia and Hamlet’s father and to Ophelia and HamletHamlet

The Uncertainty of LifeThe Uncertainty of LifeThe Importance of ReligionThe Importance of Religion