Shakespeare Life Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

How much do we know about Shakespeare's life?

There are many gaps in what we know about Shakespeare because there are only two sources of information about him - his works and various legal and church documents.

Where was Shakespeare born?

Stratford-On-Avon

What date was Shakespeare born on?

April 23, 1564

Did Shakespeare ever get married? If so, to whom?

Yes, he married Anne Hathaway on November 28, 1582 Signup and view all the answers

Shakespeare established himself as an and ____.

actor and playwright Signup and view all the answers

What day did Shakespeare die? What is unusual about this date?

He allegedly died on his birthday, April 23, 1616 Signup and view all the answers

What did Shakespeare leave his wife in his will?

His 'second best bed' Signup and view all the answers

What were the two major religions in Elizabethan England?

Catholic and Protestant Signup and view all the answers

Who dictated the favored religion during Shakespeare's time?

The reigning monarchs (kings and queens) Signup and view all the answers

Which Monarchs reigned during Shakespeare's time? When?

Queen Elizabeth I (r. 1558-1603) Signup and view all the answers

Match the Monarchs with their religions:

Mary = Catholic Elizabeth = Protestant Signup and view all the answers

How did each Monarch treat those who did not follow their favored religion?

Mary burned alive those who chose to be Protestant. Elizabeth allowed people to practice Catholicism as long as it did not threaten the kingdom. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Queen Elizabeth I ban all performances of religious plays and stories?

To stop the violence over religion Signup and view all the answers

What was the Elizabethan Period?

The age of the Renaissance which brought new ideas and thinking. Signup and view all the answers

When was the Elizabethan period?

1558-1603 or during the Renaissance Signup and view all the answers

What was the most significant invention of the Elizabethan period and why?

The printing press, because it brought knowledge and learning to the people. Signup and view all the answers

What did scientific invention lead to a renewed interest in?

Science and the study of the supernatural Signup and view all the answers

During this period, what were unexplained events blamed on?

Witches Signup and view all the answers

Why were people of this period superstitious?

Fear of God and the supernatural increased superstitious beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What were the four humors and what were they associated with?

The four bodily humors were Melancholic, Phlegmatic, Choleric, and Sanguine. Signup and view all the answers

How was Elizabethan class structure maintained?

By Elizabethan Sumptuary Laws, which dictated clothing and allowed easy identification of rank. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Chain of Being and what did it uphold?

It dictated everyone's social station and upheld the idea that lower classes should submit to upper classes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Rotae Fortuna?

The wheel of fate spun by the goddess Fortuna, selecting fortune or misfortune. Signup and view all the answers

What did education depend on?

Financial and social standing of the family Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of schooling?

To teach children appropriate behavior for their social class. Signup and view all the answers

Why were students taught Latin?

Latin was the language of education in Europe. Signup and view all the answers

What were girls from wealthy families educated in?

Governance of a household and social conduct. Signup and view all the answers

Why were courses in university conducted in Latin?

Latin is the language of international affairs. Signup and view all the answers

What was the general feeling towards plays during this period?

The theatre had an unsavory reputation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the first theater?

The Theatre Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the most famous theater?

The Globe Signup and view all the answers

What happened to this theater?

The Globe burned to the ground in 1613 due to a cannon fire. Signup and view all the answers

Where did people sit or not sit in the theater?

Most stood in the open pit before the stage; rich nobles could sit on the side. Signup and view all the answers

When did they have performances? Why?

Afternoon performances due to lack of artificial lighting. Signup and view all the answers

How many women performed in these plays?

No women performed; female roles were performed by young boys. Signup and view all the answers

If the audience didn't like what they were seeing, what would they do?

They would throw things (tomatoes) at the stage and yell insults. Signup and view all the answers

What does Shakespeare's work provide reference for?

Greek mythology applied to modern times. Signup and view all the answers

What were Shakespeare's histories a tribute to?

The British Monarchy and Britain. Signup and view all the answers

What was Shakespeare attempting to do with these tributes?

Pay homage and glorify England. Signup and view all the answers

How many words did Shakespeare invent?

Over 1700 words that we use today. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a word or phrase we have gotten from Shakespeare.

Sanctimonious, meaning pretending to be very religious or righteous. Signup and view all the answers

Name one poet who was influenced by Shakespeare.

Edmund Spenser Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Shakespeare's Life and Works

Knowledge of Shakespeare's life is limited due to the reliance on two main sources: his literary works and legal/church documents.
Born in Stratford-On-Avon, supposedly on April 23, 1564.
Married Anne Hathaway on November 28, 1582.
Established himself as an actor and playwright.
Allegedly died on his birthday, April 23, 1616, leaving behind his "second best bed" in his will.

Religion in Elizabethan England

The two predominant religions during this era were Catholicism and Protestantism.
The reigning monarchs dictated the favored religion of the time.
Queen Mary I ruled from 1553-1558 and was Catholic, known for harsh treatment of Protestants, earning the name Bloody Mary.
Queen Elizabeth I reigned from 1558-1603 as a Protestant, allowing Catholic practice as long as it posed no threat.

Elizabethan Period Overview

The Elizabethan Period coincided with the Renaissance, characterized by new ideas, inventions, and a burgeoning interest in sciences and the supernatural.
The printing press played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and boosting literacy.
The period also saw superstitions flourish, often attributing unexplained phenomena to witches.

Elizabethan Sumptuary Laws maintained class structure by regulating clothing to reflect social status.
The Chain of Being reinforced social hierarchy, asserting lower classes’ submission to upper classes, responsible for their welfare.
Education was heavily dependent on a family's financial and social standing, primarily focused on teaching appropriate behavior for one's class.
Latin was the primary language of education, deemed essential for communication in affairs and academia.

Theatrical Landscape

Plays initially faced scrutiny, leading to restrictions in London, with theatres established in Southwark to bypass these rules.
The Theatre was the first enduring theatre, while the Globe became the most famous, operational until a fire during a performance in 1613 destroyed it.
Performances occurred in the afternoon due to lack of artificial lighting, with audiences primarily standing in an open pit or sitting as nobles on the side.

Shakespeare's Contribution and Influence

Shakespeare wrote significantly, producing over 1,700 words still in use today, such as "sanctimonious," which refers to feigned piety.
His historical plays served as tributes to the British monarchy, reflecting national pride and identity.
His works often referenced Greek mythology, integrating classical themes into contemporary settings.
Notable poets like Edmund Spenser drew inspiration from Shakespeare’s innovative style and themes.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the life and background of William Shakespeare through these engaging flashcards. Dive into the limited historical documents and understand the contexts of his work and legacy.