The Tragedy of Romeo & Julietby 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

• 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 Guide1) Grab a textbook to share with a partner or group of 3.2) Turn to pages 890-898.3) With your partner, create a study guide based on the

information in the 4 sections of reading:1) William Shakespeare’s Life: A Genius From Stratford2) Shakespeare & his Theater: A Perfect Match3) How to Read Shakespeare (The Poetry, The Words)4) Background

4) 20 questions minimum 5) Use varying formats: Multiple Choice, Fill in Blanks,

Matching, T/F6) Make sure you include an ANSWER KEY!

Shakespeare Plot Triangle Act III- Climax

Act IV-Falling Action

Act IExposition

Act V- Resolution

Act II-Rising Action

* We will fill this in as we read the play!

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.

1. Even if my parents did not approve of the person I was dating, I would still date him/her.

2.  Grown ups have a lot to learn from teenagers3.  It’s alright to fool someone as long as it is for his/her own good.4.  I have been “in love” with someone.5.  I could marry someone today, if the right person asked me.6.  I would enjoy living apart from my family.7.  My parents do not understand me or where I’m coming from.8.  Even if I can’t trust my parents, there’s always an adult I can go to.9.  I believe in love at first sight.10.  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 SEATS3 PENNIES = 1ST FLOOR SEATS12 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 ActorsAn 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.