William Shakespeare's Life PDF

# William Shakespeare's Life ## Highlights ### 1. Born 1564 - 23rd April - In Stratford-on-Avon - Near London (94 miles) ### 2. His Family - Was "well-off" - His father: - John Shakespeare - Glovermaker - Shopkeeper - Landowner - Bailiff (Mayor) of Stratford - His mother:...

# William Shakespeare's Life ## Highlights ### 1. Born 1564 - 23rd April - In Stratford-on-Avon - Near London (94 miles) ### 2. His Family - Was "well-off" - His father: - John Shakespeare - Glovermaker - Shopkeeper - Landowner - Bailiff (Mayor) of Stratford - His mother: - Mary Arden - Inherited land - Bequeathed to William - William had 7 brothers and sisters ### 3. His Education - He probably attended the free grammar school until 15. - Mainly studying Latin, Greek mythology, Ovid, Plutarch's Lives, etc., which he used as sources. ### 4. He Married - Anne Hathaway - November 27, 1582 - She was 8 years older - They had 3 children: - Susanna - Hamnet and Judith (twins) ### 5. He Lived in London - Most of his life - Had little to do with Stratfor, although he became its third largest landowner and eventually retired there. ### 6. A Great Actor - By 1592, he was recognized as a successful actor on the stage, as well as a leading poet. - He was a member of a repertory group--Chamberlain's Men. ### 7. He Wrote at Least 36 Plays - As well as sonnets and other poems. - He revolutionized the English stage with his dramatic and poetic genius. ### 8. He Retired - From the theater to his native Stratford-on-Avon, sometime between 1611 and 1613. - He bought a large house called "New Place". ### 9. He Died on His 52nd Birthday - April 23, 1616 - In Stratford - He was buried in the chancel of the Church of Holy Trinity. ## ...Then Shakespeare's Fame Grew as a Brilliant Actor - For 20 years, from 1585-1605 (aged 21-41). - As a member and part owner of a repertory group called The King's Men. ### An Elizabethan Actor Had to Be an Expert in: - **Fencing:** Audiences loved duels, battles, contests - **Tumbling:** As gods or ghosts, they had to disappear through holes in the stage. - **Dancing:** Most plays ended with the whole company dancing. - **Elocution:** Words were often more important than actions. - **Acting:** Each actor had to double in many different roles - **Music:** Actors had to learn ot play some instrument well. - As a matter of fact, Shakespeare probably made most of his money as an actor and producer, not as a playwright. - Note: During the Plagues of London, this group travelled around the country and on the continent. - _Some notable members of The King's Men included:_ - Richard Burbage - John Heminges - Henry Condel - William Kempe - Edward Alleyn - Richard Cowley - Augustine Phillips - Robert Armin - William Shakespeare