Introduction to Shakespeare William Shakespeare l Born 1564
Introduction to Shakespeare
William Shakespeare l Born 1564, died 1616 l Wrote 37 plays l Wrote over 150 sonnets l Actor, poet, playwright
Types of Plays l Shakespeare wrote: l Comedies - light and amusing, usually with a happy ending l Tragedies –serious dramas with disastrous endings l Histories – involve events or persons from history
The Theatre • The Globe Theatre: • Open ceiling • Three stories high • No artificial lighting • Plays were shown during daylight hours only
Spectators l Wealthy people got to sit on benches l The poor (called “groundlings”) had to stand watch from the courtyard l There was much more audience participation than today
Actors l Only men and boys l Young boys whose voices had not changed played the women’s roles l It would have been indecent for a woman to appear on stage
Romeo and Juliet l Considered a tragedy l Tells the story of two teenagers who risk everything for love l Shakespeare is exploring which is stronger: love or hate
The Montagues Lord Montague – father of Romeo Lady Montague – mother of Romeo Montague – in love with Juliet Benvolio – nephew of Montague and friend of Romeo Balthasar – servant to Romeo Abram – servant to Montague
The Capulets Lord Capulet – father of Juliet Lady Capulet – mother of Juliet Capulet – in love with Romeo Tybalt – nephew of Lady Capulet Nurse – takes care of Juliet Peter – servant to Juliet’s Nurse
Other Characters Prince Escalus – ruler of Verona Mercutio – kinsman of the Prince and friend of Romeo Friar Laurence – a Franciscan priest Friar John – another Franciscan priest Count Paris – a young nobleman
Things to think about… l What would you do if your parents did not approve of someone you were dating? l How important is the opinion of your family in decisions that you make? l Does violence solve problems?
- Slides: 11
