Introduction to William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

Introduction to William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/700/794/shakespeare_2_lg.gif

William Shakespeare

Author • William Shakespeare, ~ 1564 – 1616 • After 400 years, remains the best-known author in English literature • Born in Stratford, England • Married Anne Hathaway at 18 • Had three children Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet later died at age 11. • Successful actor, playwright, producer, and theater owner • Wrote comedies, histories, and tragedies

Shakespeare • Composed many poems, including at least 154 sonnets • Wrote at least 40 complete plays • Wrote his plays to be performed by his theatre company: The Chamberlain’s Men • Later had owner’s stake in the new theatre The Globe

Understanding Shakes’ Why Should I know this? • Knowing and understanding how Shakespeare writes will help us understanding him during our reading. • You will be faced with difficult language and similar themes. • What else will help me read Shakespeare? • Read the scene summary. • you know what to expect. • Use the notes. • definitions and pronunciations of unfamiliar words and phrases in the margins. • Keep reading. • Audiences didn’t have time to pick part every word • READ THE PASSAGES ALOUD! • PLAYS WERE MEANT TO BE SEEN AND HEARD!

Understanding Shakes’ • Don’t read lines. READ THE SENTENCES! • Punctuation is NOT AN OPTION! • Learn Shakespeare’s vocabulary. • Shakespeare wrote in Elizabethan English. Words, phrases and pronunciations have changed in 400 years. • Words like “thou” and “thee” are used instead of “you”; • “thy” and “thine” for “your” and “yours”. • Also, verbs may also end in “t”, “th”, or “st”, which might make them difficult to recognize. (ex. Has = hast, can = canst) • Rearrange the sentences. • Find the subjects • Think about the characters. • Form a picture in your mind of each character.

Globe Theatre

Shakes’ Language • Before the 1570’s, English drama barely existed • Eventually, London became a thriving center of art and performance • Early theater was outdoors, generally an open-roofed three story building with a stage in the center • Very little if any scenery used • Costumes were often contemporary

Theatre Then and Now . . . 1500s1900s A. Courtyard Theater A. Conventional Theater B. Seating Then B. Seating Now 1. Balconies 1. Balconies - most expensive - least expensive 2. Front and Center 2. Front and Center - least expensive - most expensive C. Chorus or Prologue C. Programs 1. establishes setting 1. introduces actors 2. provides exposition 2. scene changes 3. gives a brief summary of the plot 3. audience behavior 4. reveals the theme 4. plot

Theatre Then and Now . . . 1500s1900s D. Afternoon Performances D. Evening Performance 1. needed light 1. great light E. Pace/Scenery Then E. Pace/Scenery Now 1. slower 1. quick 2. basic 2. more elaborate F. Language Then F. Language Now 1. Elizabethan English 1. Contemporary English 2. Poetry – Iambic Pentameter 2. Prose

Shakes Times and Traditions Boys were able to marry at 14 and girls at 12 – although it was often discouraged at such a young age. Marriages were a business deal, which involves a contract that includes a dowry (bride’s marriage payment) Some women were more independent than others. However, every woman was expected to be married and must depend on her male relatives throughout her life You do not marry for love; it is considered foolish. You can learn to love your husband or wife after the wedding. Children are considered the property of their parents and must give them the proper respect. As a child, you do this… or else. Wives are considered the property of the husband. The rule is the same as the one listed above.

Shakes’ Language • New Literary Terms: • pun • metaphor/simile • Comic relief • dramatic irony • situational irony • foil • Oxymoron • suspense • aside • iambic pentameter • soliloquy • Alliteration • hyperbole Terms you should already know: • conflict (internal and external) • tone • foreshadowing • climax

Globe Theatre Open air Three stories Straw Roof Balcony Backstage Access Center Stage Famous theatres of the time: The Theatre (1576), The Curtain (1577), The Rose (1587), The Swan (1587), The Globe (1595), The Fortune (1600), and The Red Bull (1604)

Globe Theatre • No women allowed on stage—men played the women’s roles • Patrons were generally uneducated and illiterate—and very loud! • Eating was allowed in the theater—often theater floors were littered with orange peels and peanut shells

Romeo and Juliet • Written between 1594 and 1596 • Story of two “star-crossed” lovers Plot Characters

Introduction to William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet