Shakespeare's Life Flashcards
During what time period was Shakespeare born?
The Elizabethan Era
When and where was Shakespeare born?
1564 in Stratford on Avon, England
Explain the historical background of the Elizabethan Era
King Henry the 8th was the king of England (a Tutor). He very much wanted a male heir and kept divorcing/ exiling/ killing his wives and marrying new ones in an attempt to get one. He also split from the Catholic Church, which was at this time the national religion of England, and created the Church of England, which is very similar in practice to Catholicism, but the King of England is the head of the church rather than the Pope in Rome.
Henry’s daughter, Queen Elizabeth, eventually ended up taking the throne after he died (thus, Elizabethan). She loved the arts and the English Renaissance flourished.
Who took power after Elizabeth?
King James- this is when the acting troop’s name was changed to The Kingsmen, and also why the play “Macbeth” was written. Shakespeare wanted King James to like him and to continue to support the arts.
Who did Shakespeare marry?
Anne Hathaway
How many children did Shakespeare have?
3
In addition to being a playwrite, what else did Shakespeare do?
Businessman, actor, poet
Why did the theatres close, and how did Shakespeare make his money during the closing?
The plague was running rampant, so the theatres closed and Shakespeare started writing poetry instead.
What was the name of Shakespeare’s open-air theatre?
The Globe
What is the term for the audience members who watched plays standing in front of the stage?
Groundlings
How long did most Shakespeare plays last?
About 2-4 hours
What are the main types of Shakespeare plays?
Histories, comedies, tragedies, and tragicomedies
The hallmark of a Shakespearean tragedy is that
At the end, nearly everyone is dead
Romeo and Juliet is an example of a
Shakespearean tragedy
Where did Shakespeare move to start his acting career (hint: The Globe Theatre is located in this city)?
London England
