William Shakespeare William Shakespeare (/ˈʃeɪkspɪər/;[1] 26 April 1564 (baptised) – 23 April 1616)[nb 1] was an English poet, playwright, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.[2] He is often called England's national poet, and the "Bard of Avon".[3][nb 2] His extant works, including collaborations, consist of approximately 38 plays,[nb 3] 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.[4] Shakespeare produced most of his known work between 1589 and 1613.[6][nb 4] His early plays were primarily comedies and histories, which are regarded as some of the best work ever produced in these genres. Many of his plays were published in editions of varying quality and accuracy during his lifetime. Life Early life London and theatrical career Later years and death man Plays
Romeo and Juliet Want more deets? We've also got a complete Online Course about Romeo and Juliet, with three weeks worth of readings and activities to make sure you know your stuff. Before young William Shakespeare wrote his play about two poetry speaking, hormone-driven teenagers who defy their families' long-standing feud and risk everything to be together, love wasn't even considered a suitable subject for a "tragedy." Not anymore. Written at the beginning of Shakespeare's career as a playwright, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet (c. 1595) is now considered to be the greatest love story of all time. It wasn't a sleeper hit, either: the play was so popular in its own time that it was published twice during Shakespeare's life (1597 and 1599). Shakespeare adapted the storyline from Arthur Brookes' popular Tragicall History of Romeus and Juliet (1562), a long English poem based on a story that dates back to a novella by Masuccio Salernitano called "Mariotto and Giannozza" (1476). Why? Our point?
How to make Shakespeare easy for English language learners Have you ever had difficulty relating Shakespeare to learners of English? Tutor and resource writer Genevieve White comes to the rescue, in time for Shakespeare Day and English Language Day today. Last year, I wrote an article extolling the joys of teaching Shakespeare to learners of English and outlining the reasons why teachers should bring the Bard into the classroom. Some of the comments I received on this post suggested that the linguistic challenges presented by sixteenth-century English are just too great to overcome. It is true that Shakespeare’s texts may present difficulties for contemporary readers, particularly those who do not have English as a first language. Make it attractive from the start Begin by piquing your learners’ interest. One of my own personal Shakespeare favourites is his famous tale of revenge, deceit and jealousy: Othello. In the past, I have introduced my learners to the story and its characters with a trailer. 1. 2. 3. So, be not infirm of purpose!
Shakespeare Facts: 50 Interesting Facts About William Shakespeare Interested in Shakespeare facts? Below is a range of 50 little known facts about William Shakespeare. Bear in mind that very little in the way of hard facts is actually known about Shakespeare’s life (unlike facts about Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, which are fairly well documented), but we’ve researched long and hard to come up with a range of interesting facts about the great man: William Shakespeare Facts: 1 There is documentary proof that Shakespeare was baptised on 26th April 1564, and scholars believe that, in keeping with the traditions of the time, he would have been baptised when he was three days old, meaning Shakespeare was probably born on April 23rd. William Shakespeare Facts: 2 Shakespeare’s parents were John and Mary Shakespeare (nee Arden). William Shakespeare Facts: 3 Shakespeare had seven siblings: Joan (b 1558, only lived 2 months); Margaret (b 1562); Gilbert (b 1566); another Joan (b 1569); Anne (b 1571); Richard (b 1574) and Edmund (b 1580). William Shakespeare Facts: 4
William Shakespeare Intro William Shakespeare scarcely needs an introduction. Born in 1564, he was an English playwright, poet, actor, favorite dramatist of queens and kings, inventor of words, master of drama, and arguably the most famous writer of all time. In his 36 plays and 154 sonnets, he left behind the evidence of a brilliant mind, a wicked sense of humor, a deep sensitivity to human emotions, and a rich classical education. We know all about his work. In the 400 or so years since Shakespeare died on his 52nd birthday in 1616, there have been plenty of rumors about the Bard and the personal experiences that may have inspired his works. Shakespeare changed the English language, inventing dozens of new words we still use today.
Welcome to Shakespeare High: Your Shakespeare Classroom on the Internet! HIGH: used in composition with adjectives to heighten or emphasize their signification, as, high- fantastical HIGHT: called HILD: held HILDING: a paltry fellow HINT: suggestion HIREN: a prostitute. with a pun on the word 'iron.' HIT: to agree HOISE: to hoist, heave up on high HOIST: hoisted HOLP: to help; helped HOME: to the utmost HONEST: chaste HONESTY: chastity HONEY-STALKS: the red clover HOODMAN-BLIND: the game now called blindman's-buff HORN-MAD: probably, 'harn-mad,' that is, brain-mad HOROLOGE: a clock HOT-HOUSE: a brothel HOX: to hamstring HUGGER-MUGGER: secrecy HULL: to drift on the sea like a wrecked ship HUMOROUS: fitful, or, perhaps, hurried HUNT-COUNTER: to follow the scent the wrong way HUNTS-UP: a holla used in hunting when the game was on foot HURLY: noise, confusion HURTLE: to clash HURTLING: noise, confusion HUSBANDRY: frugality Management HUSWIFE: a jilt
The Elizabethan Age | Shakespeare in American Communities Shakespeare lived during a remarkable period of English history, a time of relative political stability that followed and preceded eras of extensive upheaval. Elizabeth I became the Queen of England in 1558, six years before Shakespeare's birth. During her 45-year reign, London became a cultural and commercial center where learning and literature thrived. When Queen Elizabeth ascended to the throne, there were violent clashes throughout Europe between Protestant and Catholic leaders and their followers. Though Elizabeth honored many of the Protestant edicts of her late father, King Henry VIII, she made significant concessions to Catholic sympathizers, which kept them from attempting rebellion. But when compromise was not possible, she was an exacting and determined leader who did not shy away from conflict. Queen Elizabeth also recognized the importance of the arts to the life and legacy of her nation. Upon the death of Elizabeth, King James I rose to power in England.
Essential knowledge and literary terms for understanding Shakespeare. An Award winning You - you- your- your formal and distant form of address suggesting respect for a superior or courtesy to a social equal. Thou - thee - thy - thine informal and close form and can imply either closeness or contempt. Gertrude: Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended. "Ye/you" or "thou/thee" sometimes show social classes, too. Falstaff: Dost thou hear, hostess? It can be insulting if it was used by an inferior to address a superior social rank.