William ShakespeareElizabethan Era (1558 – 1602)

Elizabethan Era (1558 – 1602) Sometimes called the Shakespearean Era

Elizabethan Era (1558 – 1602)

The Elizabethan Era is named after the greatest Queens of England - Queen Elizabeth I.

The Elizabethan Period was the age of the Renaissance, of new ideas and new thinking.

Many of England's greatest playwrights were active during her reign, including Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, and William Shakespeare.

One of the greatest tools in increasing knowledge and learning - The introduction of the printing press during the Renaissance.

This Era was responsible for the interest in the sciences and new inventions

Elizabethan Theater

During Elizabeth’s reign theater changed.

New dramas were called “Elizabethan Dramas”

Designed to entertain the masses Plays had religious undertones, but were

not designed to teach religion or morality Contained historical allusions that the

audience would understand

Commoners liked the occasional comedies or the comic relief in serious plays

Called “groundlings” because they paid very little money (a penny) to stand on the ground to watch plays•

One ticket would pay for a day at the theater—usually three plays in one day

Entertainment in Elizabethan Era

William Shakespear

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William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

William Shakespeare was born in1564 April 23

Shakespeare was born and raised in the picturesque Tudor market town of Stratford-on-Avon

Father - John Shakespeare, Merchant and Bailiff and Justice of the Peace

Educated - Grammar School (Kings New School)

1582 November 28, William Shakespeare and Anne Hathwey of Shottery, Stratford were married. They had 3 children together.

Shakespeare’s Career

Career - Poet, Playwright, Dramatist and Actor

1584-1594—completely missing from any historical records

Believed to have left his home and traveled with a traveling drama troupe performing at carnivals and fairs all over England and Scotland

The next records of him show him in London. He never lived at home with his family again

Career Cont..

1594—records indicate Shakespeare was in London–Joins “The Lord Chamberlain’s men”–Acted in the Rose Theater•

1598—Shakespeare and his troupe build “The Globe

The Globe- Nicknamed “The Wooden O” because it was not rectangular but oval in shape–Could hold 2000-3000 people

Who is William Shakespeare?

Plays written by Shakespeare

Hamlet Midsummer nights dreams Romeo and Juliet Othello Merchant of Venice Julius Caesar Twelfth night Macbeth

Common Themes

Betrayal Ignorance Power Jealousy Honor Guilt Love

Shakespeare’s Language

Shakespeare’s Language

anon—right now, OR “I come right away”……. “Anon, good nurse! Speak!”art—are, OR skill……“Thou art dead; no physician’s art can save you.”dost or doth—does or do……“Dost thou know the time?”ere—before……“We must leave ere daybreak.”fain—gladly……“I fain would bake Mr. Love cookies if I could get an A.”fie—an exclamation of dismay or disgust……“You cheated? Fie upon it!” OR “Fie! Are you mad?”

sirrah—a term of address used for inferiors……“Sirrah, bring the letter over here.”thee—you……“When will I see thee next?”thou—you……“Thou art a villain.”thy—your……“Thy name is more hateful than thy face.”whence—from where…….. “Whence came that news?” OR “Return to whence you came.”wherefore—why……“Wherefore dost thou leave?” OR “Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” [As in, “why can’t you be someone else, whom my family doesn’t hate?”]