Freewrite

Are men more inherently prone to violence, particularly physical violence? Make an argument either way. What are the implications of your argument?

Demystifying Shakespeare

Did NOT write in Old English Beowulf is Old English Shakespeare wrote in

Modern English

Shakespeare’s plays were not written for the elite or “high-browed”

Brief Sketch of the Man

Baptized 26 April 1564; died 23 April 1616

Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's preeminent dramatist

His plays have been translated into every major living language, and are performed more often than those of any other playwright

Early Life and Marriage

Shakespeare was

born and raised in

Stratford-upon-Avon

At 18, he married

Anne Hathaway,

who bore him 3

children:

Susanna, and

twins Hamnet

and Judith

Lost Years

Between 1585 and 1592 is known as Shakespeare's "lost years“

What we do know: a few of his plays were on the London stage by 1592

Shakespeare in London

By 1594, Shakespeare's

plays were performed only by

the Lord Chamberlain's Men,

a company owned by a group

of players, including

Shakespeare

They soon became the

leading playing company in

London

The Globe

In 1599, a partnership of company members built their own theatre on the south bank of the Thames, which they called the Globe

End of Life and Death

1607 on, he wrote few plays and probably spent most his time back home in Avon

Died on 23 April 1616 and was survived by his wife and two daughters

Shakespeare’s Work

Wrote major works that were exceptional in all four categories of drama: comedy, tragedy, romance, and history Later in life, some of these categories were

mixed

Poetry – a bunch of

sonnets are his most

famous

Why is Shakespeare Soo Good?

Shakespeare was never “revered” in his lifetime, even if he received his share of praise

Why he is NOT famous: His stories: he stole most

of them (that was normal)

So why…?

Here’s Why1. How he reinterpreted other

people’s stories

2. The power, clarity, and depth of his language and poetry

3. The psychological depth of his characters

4. The depth and breadth his stories explore issues, themes, and ideas

Approaches to Shakespeare

Not Abstract Narrative is “normal” and comprehensive Characters are real, normal people Language expresses comprehensible

ideas

Language: some of the unknown language is simply a product of its time “Semantic drift” too

Enjoyment Maturity of tastes

Approaches Continued

Deciphering a Puzzle

“Not my personal taste” is not an excuse for “not understanding” An honors class is about mastering

language and not finding out what you like to read; these sorts of texts are awesome ways of pushing your abilities

Avoid extremes: figuring out every word vs. giving up