1 1564 – 1616 Playwright Actor Theatre Owner “The Bard of Avon”William Shakespeare 1564 – 1616 Playwright Actor Theatre Owner “The Bard of Avon”

2 Romantic or Rebel? Will the REAL Wm. Shakespeare step forward?

3 Early Life and Times Born in Stratford-on-Avon, a small but thriving middle-class village outside of London, April 23(ish), 1564 Married Anne Hathaway, six years older than he was First daughter born 6 mos. after the wedding (uh-oh) Had twins 2 yrs. later; one son – Hamnet – died at age 9 Early married life and jobs remain largely a mystery Moved to London after marriage; wife and children left behind in Stratford

4 Shakespeare’s Birthplace

5 Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

6 Stratford Scenes

7 Rise to Fame in London Elizabeth I = Queen of EnglandBecame an actor in London first Began writing plays – eventually wrote 37 total Genres: tragedy, comedy, history Founded a theatre company –”The Lord Chamberlain’s Men” sponsored by James, nephew of the Queen Queen Elizabeth dies without a child; James becomes King James I, & Shakespeare’s company becomes “The King’s Men” Died April 23, 1616 of unknown causes

8 A Royal Favorite Elizabeth I and James I

9 The Controversy: Did Wm. Shakespeare really write those plays?Pro: Yes. A common middle-class person in those days could indeed have had a decent cultural and literary education. There is also a period of time unaccounted for in his early days in London; perhaps that is when he received a broader cultural education. He also had royal patrons, so he would have courtly knowledge. Con: No. He was only the son of a merchant; therefore, he couldn’t have been exposed to the royal life that many of his plays revolve around. He stole the credit for the plays from his well-connected, royal friends. Only someone on the “inside” could have written of these manners with such depth.

10 The “Contenders” Francis Bacon the Earl of Essex Christopher Marlowethe Earl of Derby the Earl of Rutland the Earl of Oxford even Queen Elizabeth! The majority of people who still believe that Shakespeare's works were not his own credit the Earl of Oxford or Francis Bacon. However, there is no factual proof that would lead us to conclude that Shakespeare did not write his own works.

11 It is indisputable that he did “borrow” the basic plot lines from ancient tales and familiar stories, as did other writers of the day. It is true that he had both friendly and unfriendly rivalries with fellow playwrights. It is true that his plays were written down by the actors after his death, perhaps to honor him, or for financial gain. It is true that no fewer than 6 different signatures appear in English records, with his name spelled 6 different ways. The discrepancy leads to more doubts.

12 The London Theatre Shakespeare’s Theatre = “The Globe”Octagonal shaped building “Thrust” stage – audience surrounds the stage on 3 sides Two levels at the rear (upstage) Open in the middle to the sky – natural light used Little or no scenery, lighting, few props This is why there is so much description given by actors in each scene Onstage violence and sex kept to a minimum No women allowed as actors – young boys used for female characters This is why there is so little sex or even kissing

13 The Audience All income levels attended the theatre.Different colored flag run up to indicate which type of play was running; cannon announced show-time Groundlings: common, uneducated, rowdy, standing room in front of the stage; interrupt the action, throw food, talk to the actors, etc. Galleries: wealthier patrons, had bench seats under the thatched roof Box seats: wealthiest patrons; close to, or actually on the side of, the stage; there to see and be seen

14 The New Globe Theatre

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17 Theatre Terms Aside – Actor addresses the audience directly, revealing their TRUE feelings; others onstage cannot hear Soliloquy – Actor speaks aloud while alone onstage; since he is alone, this information is the TRUTH Monologue – A group of lines spoken by one actor; others may or may not be onstage as well; NOT necessarily the truth Sonnet – a poem, 14 lines long; usually a love poem; English and Shakespearian sonnets end in a rhymed couplet

18 Rhymed couplet – two lines that rhyme; often used to signal the end of a sceneSince there is no scenery change to indicate a change in location, the couplet tells the audience when a shift is about to occur. Iambic Pentameter – form of poetry used by Shakespeare; each line has 10 syllables (aka 5 feet), each unaccented syllable is followed by an accented syllable Blank Verse – unrhymed lines which do not use an artificial rhythm; indicates : ANGER/PASSION, or LACK OF EDUCATION

19 Pun – a play on words with a double meaningFoil – a character that provides a contrast to the main protagonists Tragedy – a play in which the main characters are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning Comedy – a play in which the main characters are better off at the end than they were at the beginning History Play – a play which tells the life adventures of a true historical figure (Henry V, Richard II, Julius Caesar)

20 Romeo and Juliet West Side Story – characters, events, imagery, etc.The Role of FATE Gender Role Reversal Recurrent Imagery: Book – pen, chapter, lines, cover, etc. Light vs. Dark – Watch for how the meaning changes as the play progresses! Jewels

21 As You Like It Green World Court World VS. City life, palaceKings/queens, etc. RULES & REGULATIONS governing behavior are strict & unbending Class structure/status based on money, birth, social position Forest setting Magic Live by your wits Status based on intelligence, wit, & ability to “make it” in any situation (flexibility)

22 Written in 1599-1600 Romantic ComedyComedy of errors/mistaken identity The Pastoral Ideal – a popular Elizabethan fantasy that the life of country people was 100% wonderful, good, romantic. City life was 100% bad. Since Shakespeare was originally from the country, he knows this is a stupid fantasy, so he makes fun of it by the use of satire. He creates FAKE country characters to show how silly this idea is. Natural vs. artificial: In this play, there are both REAL and FAKE country characters.

23 Historical note: This play also satirizes the longstanding rivalry between the English and the French. Shakespeare, an Englishman, makes fun of the French at every opportunity. You are SUPPOSED to mispronounce the French characters’ names You are NOT supposed to admire them, take their advice, or think that they speak for the poet.