How much do we know about Shakespeare’s life? Why?
We do not know much about William Shakespeare. This is because we only have his writings and church and legal documents to go off of. This allows for gaps in his life.
Where was Shakespeare born?
in Stratford-upon-Avon
What date was he born on?
April 23, 1564
Did Shakespeare ever get married? If so, to whom?
Yes, Anne Hathaway on November 28, 1582
Shakespeare established himself as what two things?
An actor and playwright.
What day did he die? What is unusual about this date?
His birthday- April 23, 1616
What did he leave his wife in his will?
His 2nd best bed.
What were the two major religions in Elizabethan England?
Catholic and Protestant
Who dictated the favored religion?
The reigning monarchs had the choice of which religion should be practiced.
Which Monarchs reigned during this time? When?
Queen Mary I- (1553-1558)
Queen Elizabeth {succeeded Mary} – (1558-1603)
Queen Elizabeth {succeeded Mary} – (1558-1603)
Which religion did each Monarch believe in?
Mary-Catholic
Elizabeth- Protestant
Elizabeth- Protestant
How did each Monarch treat those who did not follow their favored religion?
Mary-Imprisonment, torture, or execution.
Elizabeth- Practice what they should choose
Elizabeth- Practice what they should choose
Why did Queen Elizabeth I ban all performances of religious plays and stories?
She wanted to help stop the violence over religion.
What was the Elizabethan Period?
age of the renaissance, of new thinking, and new ideas
When was this period?
1558-1603
What was the most significant invention of this time and why?
Printing press- people would not be the way they are now, and no other invention would exist
What did this lead to a renewed interest in?
new thinking, and new ideas
During this period, what were unexplained events blamed on?
People blamed unexplainable events as the work of witches.
Why were people of this period superstitious?
The origins of many superstitions are based on trust in magic or chance. An irrational belief that an object, or action, or circumstance which are not logically related to a course of events can influence its outcome.
What were the four humors and what were they associated with?
Melancholic, Phlegmatic, Choleric, Sanguine-The Elements- earth, air, fire, and water
Cold, hot, moist, and dry. The seasons, elements, age, planets, and organs.
Cold, hot, moist, and dry. The seasons, elements, age, planets, and organs.
How was Elizabethan class structure maintained?
The structure was maintained by girls only learning house chores, while the men were able to go to school and learn.
What was the Chain of Being and what did it uphold?
everything in the world has its own place. No matter what you do, you cannot make your way up in the chain. You are all that you are born with, for the rest of your life, no matter what you do to try and change it.
What is the Rotae Fortuna?
The Wheel of Fortune-is a concept in medieval and ancient philosophy referring to the capricious nature of Fate. The wheel belongs to the goddess Fortuna, who spins it at random, changing the positions of those on the wheel – some suffer great misfortune, others gain windfalls.
What did education depend on?
Financial standing and social class of the family
What was the main purpose of schooling?
To teach children appropriate behavior for their social class and to make them useful members of society.
Why were students taught Latin?
It was the language of the educated throughout Europe
What were girls from wealthy families educated in?
how to govern a household, and how to conduct herself in the social class into which her marriage would place her
Why were courses in university conducted in Latin?
prepare you for university, where courses are conducted in Latin. Latin is also the language of international affairs, and men of affairs are expected to be able to communicate in it. Or employ someone who does. Anyone who wants to make his way in the world must have at least a working knowledge of Latin.
What was the general feeling towards plays during this period in time?
Plays had an “unsavory reputation” and authorities would not let plays to be held within the city. Weren’t aloud- despised them. conflict with religion
What was the name of the first theatre?
The Theatre
What was the name of them most famous theatre?
The Globe
What happened to this theatre?
It was used until 1613, until a cannon fired for a play and lit the roof on fire.
Where did people sit or not sit?
most standing in the open pit before the stage, though rich nobles could watch the play from a chair set on the side of the stage itself.
When did they have performances? Why?
afternoon. there was no artificial lighting
How many women performed in these plays?
no women performed in the plays. Female roles were generally performed by young boys.
what did the audience do if they didn’t like the performance?
they would shout insults or throw food and empty beer bottles at the actors.
What does Shakespeare’s work provide reference for?
real-life situations
What were Shakespeare’s histories a tribute to?
British Monarchy and to Britain herself
What was Shakespeare attempting to do with these tributes?
get on good terms with higher up people. paying homage to Elizabeth and England
How many words did Shakespeare invent?
over 1700
Give an example of a word or phrase we have gotten from Shakespeare
blushing
Name one poet who was influenced by Shakespeare
John Keats (1795-1821)
but also EVERY single author
but also EVERY single author
