Shakespeare's Life Flashcards
in Why do people study Shakespeare?
because it is challenging in terms of language, the storylines have intrigue and action and unexpected twists and suspense, the topics and themes are very relevant, to have a broader understanding of the world, to appreciate forms of poetry and scriptwriting, to better understand mythology and history, and to have a greater understanding of human nature.
Why is it important to know a writer’s background before looking at their writing?
-to gain an understanding of their choices in their text creations
-to improve comprehension of their texts.
Who is known as the greatest writer/playwright of all time?
William Shakespeare
What day was William Shakespeare baptised?
April 26, 1564
What day was Shakespeare presumably born?
April 23, 1564
Where was he born?
Startford-upon-Avon, England
How many siblings did he have?
he was the oldest of eight children
What were his parents named?
John Shakespeare and Mary Arden
what did his parents do for work?
John was a glove maker and Mary had good fortune and some inherited land.
Did Shakespeare go to school?
he attended grammar school where Latin was emphasized and students spent 9 hours a day, six days a week in school.
Who did he marry?
Anne Hathway, who was 8 years older than him, she was 26 and he was 18.
Why was his relationship with his wife embarrassing for the family at first?
because she was pregnant before they were married which was heavily frowned upon.
What year did he get married to his wife?
1582
How many children did he have?
3
What four jobs did he have between the years of 1585 and 1591?
-a poet
-an actor
-a playwright
-Part owner of the Globe Theatre.
Why was it suspected that he and his wife were having marriage problems?
When he moved to London, he left his wife and children behind in Stratford
Between what years did he write his famous plays and sonnets?
1592 and 1611
why did the theatres close between 1592 and 1594?
because everyone had a fear of getting the plague
how many plays did he write before he retired?
37
How did plays have the money to perform?
they were patronized by a “great man” who sponsored their plays
what was Shakespeare’s company called?
the Earl of Leicester’s Men
what year was the “Lord Chamberlain Men” formed?
1594
in 1603, why did the company change its name?
they changed it to “The Kings Men” since King James I supported them.
what year did he retire?
in 1611
