Romeo and Juliet Prereading Flashcards
Why are these dates important?
Shakespeare was born in 1564
He died in 1616
Where did Shakespeare live?
Stratford-upon-Avon
Who were Shakespeare’s parents?
John and Mary
What was school like during Shakespeare’s youth?
Probably attended King’s New School in Stratford-upon-Avon. Long and rigorous days
When did Shakespeare drop out of school?
Dropped out of middle school when father lost fortune
Who was Shakespeare married to?
Anne Hathaway
Did they have children?
1582 -daughter
1585 -twins - Hamnet died at 11 and Judith
What happened during 1583-1592?
These are the lost years
How old was Shakespeare during the lost years?
19-28 years old
What was the name of the theater that was built in 1599 and Shakespeare invested in?
The Globe Theater
What happened to it in 1613?
It burned down during one of his plays
How many plays did Shakespeare write?
Total: 38
Comedies: 14
Histories: 10
Tragedies: 10
Romances: 4
How many sonnets?
154
When did Shakespeare die?
April 23, 1616
Where is he buried?
Holy Trinity Church in the village of Stratford
What is significant about his gravestone?
It has a flat stone that would curse anyone that were to move his bones
What language did Shakespeare speak?
Early Modern English
What are some sources of inspiration for Shakespeare’s work?
Pyramus and Thisbe
Ovid
Why are people so fascinated by Shakespeare?
He understood what makes people tick and their relationships. Could write well
What 5 facts are known about Shakespeare?
- He was christened in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 26, 1564
- On November 27, 1582 he married Anne Hathaway
- Daughter Susanna christened on May 26, 1583. Twins Hamnet and Judith christened February 2, 1585
- Name first appeared in print in 1592
- Died in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 23, 1616
Who are the groundlings?
They paid one penny to stand on the ground
What was London like during Shakespeare’s life?
- A city of opposites
- It was violent
- There was a plague
- It was dirty
Why were plays performed during the afternoon?
Most of the lighting had to be supplied by the sun - no electricity
Explain the significance of clothing during Shakespeare’s age (with 2 specific details).
Common folk wore dull, earth colored clothes. Rich folk wore colorful clothes.
Clothing reflected status
Why didn’t London officials like theaters?
It attracted disease and criminals
Why weren’t women allowed to perform in the theaters?
They thought women acting in the theater was indecent
What was the main job for women?
The main job was to get married
What were some of the rules for women?
- Couldn’t vote
- Couldn’t go on stage
- Could only learn housekeeping
In 1593 how long had Elizabeth been on the throne?
40 years
How did Queen Elizabeth feel about the plays?
She loved the theater and plays
Why didn’t queen Elizabeth marry?
She was too busy working and to have all the power. She could pretend to offer marriage to other kingdoms to get what she wants, and then take the offer away when they agree.
Why is Romeo and Juliet such an important play in Shakespeare’s career?
It set Shakespeare apart from the other writers of his time
what is a sonnet
it has 14 lines
usvalh a love poem
specific structure
what is the structure of a sonnet
it has 4 lines in every Quatrains
what is the rhyme of a sonnet
it is in a pattern
