Questions and Answers
In what era did Shakespeare live and write?
He lived in the Elizabethan Age.
Why is it called the Elizabethan Age?
Because Queen Elizabeth was ruling.
When and where was Shakespeare born?
Born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
Who were Shakespeare's literary influences?
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Why are Shakespeare's early years called 'the lost years'?
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Who did Shakespeare marry?
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What was the beginning of Shakespeare's career like?
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How did the plague affect Shakespeare and his plays?
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What is the name of Shakespeare's theatre?
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What was the name of the first play performed at the Globe?
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Who would have played the part of Juliet in Romeo & Juliet?
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Where did Shakespeare gain inspiration for his plays?
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After 1600, what category do Shakespeare's best plays fall under?
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What was the end of Shakespeare's life like?
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How do scholars think Shakespeare died?
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When do you pause when reading verse?
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What type of pause do you use at a comma?
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What type of punctuation do you use at a period, colon, semicolon, or question mark?
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What defines units of thought in Shakespearean verse?
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What is an inverted sentence?
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Write an example of a normal sentence and then invert it.
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When does Shakespeare use an ellipsis?
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If you are having trouble understanding Shakespeare, what is the first rule you should follow?
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What is the definition of a metaphor and provide an example?
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What is an example of an allusion in Romeo and Juliet?
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What is the definition of a contracted word?
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Study Notes
Shakespeare's Life and Era
- Shakespeare lived during the Elizabethan Age, starting his writing career in the early 1590s.
- This era is named for Queen Elizabeth I's reign, which influenced arts and culture significantly.
- He was born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
Early Life and Influences
- His early years are often referred to as "the lost years" due to a lack of historical records.
- Influenced by Roman culture, which is reflected in his literary works.
Marriage and Family
- Married Anne Hathaway, who was eight years older and pregnant at the time of their marriage.
Career Beginnings
- Shakespeare's first play, "Henry VI," marked the start of his career.
- By 1592, he became a recognized actor and playwright in London, competing with well-known playwrights like Christopher Marlowe.
- By 1597, he purchased a significant house in Stratford, indicating his rising status.
Impact of the Plague
- The plague closed theaters, severely impacting his writing and leading to personal tragedy with the death of his son.
- Approximately 1,000 people died each week during the epidemic.
The Globe Theatre
- Shakespeare's primary theatre was known as the Globe.
- The first play performed there was "Julius Caesar."
Performance Practices
- Young boys played female roles, such as Juliet, as only male actors could perform during Shakespeare’s time.
Creative Process
- Spent most of his time in the city engaged in writing and acting, returning home during the Lenten period when theaters were closed.
Later Works and Legacy
- After 1600, he wrote renowned tragedies including "Hamlet," "King Lear," "Othello," and "Macbeth," which explore timeless human emotions and natures.
- His last works included tragicomedies such as "Cymbeline," "The Winter's Tale," and "The Tempest."
Death and Final Years
- Died likely from health-related issues, possibly exacerbated by alcohol use; interred on April 25, 1616.
Reading and Understanding Shakespeare
- Intonation is important to determine where to pause while reading verse.
- Short pauses are used at commas; longer pauses at periods, colons, semicolons, or question marks to define units of thought.
Sentence Structure
- An inverted sentence occurs when the verb precedes the subject, altering the typical order.
- Example inversion: "A day as black as this was never seen."
Stylistic Devices
- An ellipsis is used in phrases to indicate omitted parts, as seen in "Romeo and Juliet."
- Metaphor involves comparing two dissimilar objects or ideas, exemplified by: "I have begun to plant thee, and will labor to make thee full of growing."
- Allusions in "Romeo and Juliet" reference Cupid and Diana to express themes of love and chastity.
Understanding Shakespearean Language
- Contracted words are those with omitted letters, such as "be't."
- Reading aloud is recommended for comprehension, mimicking actor rehearsals for better understanding.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the life and era of William Shakespeare with these flashcards. This quiz will cover essential dates, influences, and the historical context in which Shakespeare wrote. Perfect for literature enthusiasts and students alike!
