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The Tragedy of Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare. Who was William Shakespeare?. Probably the world’s most famous poet playwright. A writing genius. understood people skilled with words knew what would please an audience
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Who was William Shakespeare? • Probably the world’s most famous poet playwright. • A writing genius. • understood people • skilled with words • knew what would please an audience • Lived in the days of Queen Elizabeth I (the Elizabethan time period in history)
William Shakespeare’s Life - Highlights! Born April 23rd, 1564 • Stratford-on-Avon • Near London
His family was “well off” His Father - John Shakespeare • Glove maker, shopkeeper, land owner, 2nd bailiff of Stratford. His Mother - Mary Arden • Inherited land which was later bequeathed to William Siblings • Had 7 brothers and sisters
His Education • Attended free grammar school until age 15 • Mainly studied Latin He Married • Anne Hathaway – November 27th, 1582 • She was 8 years older! (he 18, she 26) • They had 3 children • Susanna, Hamnet, Judith
Where did Shakespeare Live? • London, England • In 1600’s London was a busy, bustling walled city • Renaissance (re-birth) of arts and sciences under two monarchs who loved the theater • Queen Elizabeth I (reigned 1558-1603) • King James I (reigned 1603-1625) • Only major disasters were the PLAGUES of 1592-94 and 1613, which closed the theaters.
He Lived in London most of his life • Had little to do with Stratford, although he did become its 3rd largest land owner, and eventually retired there.
He Wrote at least 36 Plays • Also wrote sonnets and poems
A Great Actor for over 20 years • By 1592 he was recognized as a successful actor, as well as a leading poet • Was a member and owner of an acting company • Chamberlain’s Men (King’s Men) • Probably made most of his money as an actor and producer, not as a playwright.
He Retired • Left the theater and returned to Stratford sometime between 1611-1613 • Bought a large house called “New Place” He Died on his 52nd Birthday • April 23 1616, in Stratford • Buried in the chancel of the Church of Holy Trinity
5/10 Shakespeare Study Guide Grab a textbook to share with a partner or group of 3. Turn to pages 890-898. With your partner, create a study guide based on the information in the 4 sections of reading: William Shakespeare’s Life: A Genius From Stratford Shakespeare & his Theater: A Perfect Match How to Read Shakespeare (The Poetry, The Words) Background 20 questions minimum Use varying formats: Multiple Choice, Fill in Blanks, Matching, T/F Make sure you include an ANSWER KEY!
Shakespeare Plot Triangle Act III- Climax * We will fill this in as we read the play! Act IV-Falling Action Act II-Rising Action Act V- Resolution Act I Exposition
Journal: Love and Marriage Answer “True” if the statement is something you agree with, and answer “False” if you do not agree. Write an explanation for each answer. • Even if my parents did not approve of the person I was dating, I would still date him/her. • Grown ups have a lot to learn from teenagers • It’s alright to fool someone as long as it is for his/her own good. • I have been “in love” with someone. • I could marry someone today, if the right person asked me. • I would enjoy living apart from my family. • My parents do not understand me or where I’m coming from. • Even if I can’t trust my parents, there’s always an adult I can go to. • I believe in love at first sight. • I would die for the person I am going to marry.
FACTS ABOUT THE GLOBE THEATER IMPORTANT DATES: • BUILT IN 1599 • IN 1600, AVERAGE WEEKLY ATTENDANCE ESTIMATED AT 20,000 PATRONS (held 3000) • BURNED DOWN IN 1613 (ROOF SET ON FIRE BY A CANON DURING SHAKESPEARE PERFORMANCE—HENRY VIII) • REBUILT THE THEATER IN 1614, BUT IT WAS DESTROYED BY PURITANS 30 YEARS LATER • NEW GLOBE THEATER BUILT IN 1996 IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Globe Structure: • 8 SIDES WITH A YARD • 6 FT. PLATFORM STAGE (SO HIGH BECAUSE GROUNDLINGS JUMPED ON STAGE & STARTED FIGHTS) • WALLS MADE OF LIME, SAND & GOAT HAIR • THATCHED ROOF (ONLY ON 1ST GLOBE, 2ND ONE WAS MADE OF TILE) • NO CURTAINS, LIGHTS, OR SCENERY • TRAP DOORS IN FLOOR
Globe Seating SEATS WERE PRICED: 1 PENNY = PIT IN FRONT OF THE STAGE(PEOPLE CALLED “GROUNDLINGS”OR “PENNY STINKARDS”) 2 PENNIES = 2ND & 3RD FLOOR SEATS 3 PENNIES = 1ST FLOOR SEATS 12 PENNIES = CLOSEST TO STAGE
More Globe Theater Facts • SHAKESPEARE WAS PART OWNER ($) • ALSO CALLED THE “WOODEN O” • NO WOMEN ACTRESSES (IT WAS CONSIDERED IMPROPER FOR WOMEN TO ACT) • COMPETED WITH OTHER FORMS OF ENTERTAINMENT NEARBY-- BULL & BEAR BAITING ARENAS • ELABORATE COSTUMES
The Plays: • Show lasted about 2 ½ hours • Usually in afternoon to use natural lighting • Colored flags signified type of play performed that day • Black = Tragedy • White = Comedy • Red = History
The Actors An Elizabethan Actor Had To Be Good at: Fencing • Audiences loved duels, battles, contests. Tumbling • As gods, or ghosts, they had to disappear through trap doors in the stage. Dancing • Most plays ended with the whole company dancing. Elocution • Words were often more important than actions. Acting • Each actor had to double in many different roles. Music • Actors had to learn to play some instruments as well.