6 Questions
What is the estimated number of Shakespeare's plays gathered in the First Folio?
36
How many visual depictions of Shakespeare exist?
Three
What is the total number of words written in Shakespeare's own hand?
14
What was the reaction of non-English-speaking authors to Shakespeare's humor?
They had difficulty with it
Where did Voltaire attend performances of Shakespeare's plays?
London
What is the year when the First Folio was published?
1623
Study Notes
Shakespeare's Life and Legacy
- Shakespeare is a dominant figure in British culture, but very little is known about his personal life.
- There are only three visual depictions of Shakespeare: the Chandos portrait, the Droeshout engraving, and the painted statue at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Only 14 words in Shakespeare's own handwriting exist, consisting of his signature (six times) and the words "by me" on his will.
- No letters, notes, or manuscripts written by Shakespeare have survived.
The First Folio and Shakespeare's Plays
- The majority of Shakespeare's plays (36 out of 38) were collected in the First Folio in 1623, eight years after his death.
- Shakespeare's works are known for their ribald humor and combination of tragedy and outrageousness.
Cross-Cultural Misunderstandings
- Non-English-speaking authors have struggled with Shakespeare's humor and style.
- Even Voltaire, a famous French philosopher, experienced misunderstandings while attending Shakespeare's performances in London during his exile.
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