Shakespeare &

The Renaissance

Middle Ages (Medieval)- 500-1500A.D.*”Dark Ages”= decline in the arts, learning, population, & economy in Europe * Romeo & Juliet occurs in the 1300s

Renaissance- 1500-1600 A.D.*Renaissance = rebirth *a new time for rediscovery & enlightenment* Shakespeare was born in 1564 in England

History Timeline

*starts in Asia & spreads during Middle Ages & Renaissance

* occurs during Shakespeare’s time-mentioned in R&J*infected fleas transmitted to rodents & humans by biting them* poor affected most-came into contact with rodents *results= enlarged, infected lymph node called buboes*caused millions of deaths; 1/3 of Europe dies* “Ring around a Rosie”- musical allusion to the plague*first forms of biological warfare with dead bodies*society thought it was a punishment from God

Bubonic Plague or Black Death Plague

Parents & Marriage*families were ruled by strong fathers: children must obey

*wealthy fathers arranged marriages: girls often married at age 12*fathers arranged a dowry (money or valuables) to the groom*wives were expected to produce a son, so the family name would continue*divorce is frowned on for the wealthy poorer classes would abandon their marriage & remarry (bigamy)

Renaissance Customs

Influence of Astrology*physicians would look at horoscope to diagnose or treat patients*prologue mentions “star-crossed lovers”Nurses*considered to be a nanny (most were poor) who raised children from wealthy families*usually had a stronger emotional bond with children than parentsDueling*rapiers- most common weapon; duels were a respected way to defend honorHealth & Medicine*apothecaries- modern day pharmacist; lowest form of doctorReligion*Roman Catholic- dominant religion*Friars (priests) gave up possessions & lived simple life at a monastery

Renaissance Customs

*Mom= Anne Boleyn Dad= King Henry VIII*dad executed mom when he wanted to remarry & produce a son*Older siblings died; no male heir; Elizabeth becomes Queen of England*Never marries; called “The Virgin Queen” *loves the arts (theatre, music, art, etc.)*Shakespeare was able to produce many plays because the Queen enjoyed them & wanted to see them performed

Queen Elizabeth I

*built in 1599 in London by Shakespeare’s theatre company, Lord Chamberlain’s Men*first professional theatre ever built in England*the original Globe Theatre was moved for 2 reasons: 1) city council thought it was unsafe/ crimes were committed (pick-pocketing, prostitution) 2) church leaders claimed that more people attended theatres than church- lack of family values & morals *torn down & moved outside of London walls * in 1613 Globe burns down from a misfired cannon on stage that caught fire to wooden beams: a new one is rebuilt the following year* modern day replica version is rebuilt in 1997 and now called Shakespeare’s Globe

Globe Theatre

Map of Italy

Verona Today

Verona Today

Film Adaptions

Shakespeare’s Epitaph (inscribed words on grave)