Shakespeare Overview Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are five facts known about Shakespeare?

He was Christened in Stratford-upon-Avon. 2. He married Ann Hathaway on November 27th, 1582. 3. His children were Susana and twins Hamlet and Judith. 4. His name first appeared in print in 1592. 5. He died in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 23rd, 1616.

List two subjects Shakespeare wrote about that make his work contemporary.

Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, etc.

Why would theaters be closed down regularly?

Plagues carried by rats and fleas got people sick and there was no sanitation.

Why was attending plays a common denominator between the classes?

Everyone was equal when they attended and everyone was welcome. Signup and view all the answers

Why were performances held in the afternoons?

That was when most lighting was supplied, by sunlight. Signup and view all the answers

Instead of elaborate sets, what did theaters rely on for 'scenery'?

The audience's imagination. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the costumes of the actors so elaborate and elegant?

That way they could contrast with the dull colors of the groundlings and the audience and to flash color. Signup and view all the answers

It was illegal for anyone under the rank of count and countess to wear what color?

Purple. Signup and view all the answers

How was the theater in Shakespeare's time like modern show business?

People made a living doing the shows (it was a job). Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't city officials like the theaters?

It attracted prostitutes, etc. They were undesirable. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main components audiences (as well as critics) wanted to see in plays?

Violence, bloodshed, etc. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the most popular playwright in Shakespeare's time?

Christopher Marlowe. Signup and view all the answers

Who played women's roles? Why?

Men who hadn't hit puberty because women were forbidden to be on stage. Signup and view all the answers

Who was queen during Shakespeare's time?

Queen Elizabeth I. Signup and view all the answers

Why did playhouses succeed during Shakespeare's time?

Since the queen loved theater, she attended the plays, causing other people to go to them as well. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't the queen ever marry?

There were no family obligations and it served her well to be single with foreign policy. Signup and view all the answers

How did Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet differ from other plays of his time?

Romeo and Juliet is a comedy that turns into a suicidal performance, whereas others went more along the lines of traditional plays. Signup and view all the answers

How much did Groundlings have to pay to watch a play? Where did they sit?

They had to pay a penny to go watch plays and they sat on the ground. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Facts About Shakespeare

Christened in Stratford-upon-Avon, a market town in England.
Married Ann Hathaway on November 27, 1582; their marriage was dated before their first child was born.
Father to Susanna and twins Hamnet and Judith.
First mention of his name in print occurred in 1592, reflecting his growing fame.
Passed away on April 23, 1616, in his hometown.

Contemporary Subjects in Shakespeare's Works

Themes in plays such as "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Romeo and Juliet" explore universal human experiences.

Reasons for Theater Closures

Regular closures due to outbreaks of plague, often spread by rats and fleas, highlighted the lack of sanitation during that period.

Class Unity in Theater Attendance

Plays served as a social equalizer, allowing individuals from all classes to gather and enjoy the performance together.

Afternoon Performances

Plays were typically held in the afternoon, utilizing natural sunlight as the primary source of lighting.

Theatrical Scenery

Simplicity of elaborate sets was compensated by audience imagination, creating a unique experience based on perception.

Costumes and Audience Contrast

Actors wore elaborate costumes to stand out against the drab clothing of groundlings, enhancing visual appeal and spectacle.

Color Restrictions

An illegal statute forbade anyone below the rank of count or countess from wearing purple, a color reserved for the nobility.

Theater as a Profession

Theater during Shakespeare's era resembled modern show business, with individuals earning their livelihood from performance arts.

City Officials' Dislike for Theaters

Theaters were often viewed unfavorably by city officials due to their association with undesired activities, including prostitution.

Audience Expectations

Audiences, alongside critics, sought drama infused with violence and bloodshed, reflecting societal interests.

Christopher Marlowe's Popularity

Marlowe was the leading playwright of the time, known for his tragedies and bold themes.

Female Roles on Stage

Women were banned from acting, so young boys played female characters until they reached puberty.

Reign of Queen Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I ruled during Shakespeare’s career, her patronage significantly influencing the theater's popularity.

Success of Playhouses

Theaters thrived largely due to Queen Elizabeth I's love for theatre, encouraging public attendance.

Queen Elizabeth I's Single Status

Remaining unmarried allowed her to navigate foreign policy freely, eliminating family obligations.

Unique Structure of "Romeo and Juliet"

Unlike typical productions of the time, "Romeo and Juliet" transitions from comedy to tragedy, culminating in suicide.

Groundlings' Experience

Groundlings paid one penny for admission and sat on the ground, actively participating in the lively theater environment.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key facts about William Shakespeare with these flashcards. Explore his life events, notable works, and the themes that make his literature resonate even today.