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Introduction to Shakespeare

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The peak of intellectual activityEmphasis on individuality and

choiceRenewed interest in science,

commerce, philosophy, and the artsBegan in 14th century; peaked

during Queen’s reign

Renaissance Era

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Plays produced more often, in more countries than any other author

“Greatest playwright of all time”

1564-1616Wife, daughter, twinsEventual owner of Globe

Theater

Old Willie

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Elizabethan Age: late 1500’s

Queen Elizabeth was the last member of England’s royal house

Strong monarch

Supporter of English cultureShe gave

theater high esteem

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Position of high office under the Queen

Two men in this position sponsor the theaterShakespeare begins acting and

writing for Lord Chamberlain’s MenElizabeth attended productions

Lord Chamberlain

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London was center of Elizabethan stage

London had more theaters than any other capital

Attracting rich and poor, unlike other cities, created much success

Held up to 3,000 spectators Picture our entire school in a

theater Spectators cheered, booed,

hissed, and threw rotten vegetables

Props and sound effects drove play Improper for women to be on stage

Men played the roles of women

Theater in Shakespeare’s Day

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Contributed more to English language than any other writer

“Word musician” -George Orwell

Old Willie the Word Ninja

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Characteristics of Shakespearean

Tragedy

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Protagonist, or central character (good guy)

Usually fails or dies because of character flaw

High rank or statusShows strength while facing fate

Tragic Hero

This is Zorro. He was an awesome hero from long ago. You’ve probably never heard of him because your generation has replaced real heroes with dorks like Zac Efron.

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Works against the protaganist (bad guy)

Can be a character or force

Antagonist

Shakespeare: bloated.

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Character that contrasts with another

The contrast highlights both characters’ traitsEx: timid v. chattyEx: OCD v. slob

Foil

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Speech given by character alone on stage

Teachers do this (Now perhaps?)

Lets audience know what character is thinking

Helps audience connect, sympathize or empathize with character

Soliloquy

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Character’s remark to audience or another character that others on stage do not hear

Reveals private thoughts

Aside

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Motif Motifs are recurring

structures, contrasts, and literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes

Youth and Youth and AgeAge

                                             

Light and Light and DarkDark

Love and Love and HateHate

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Dramatic IronyAudience knows more than the

charactersEx: audience knows about

R&J’s demise before they doHelps build suspense

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Some Language Terms to KnowSome terms you are probably already

familiar with:SimileMetaphorHyperboleAllusionForeshadowingSymbolismAllusion

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PunA

humorous play on words

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OxymoronWhen two words

of opposite meaning are put together for effect.

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Serious FaceLaugh:

Hahahahahahahaha

Serious Face A humorous scene

lightens an intense mood

Heightens seriousness by adding contrast

Comic Relief

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Just FYI:Just FYI:The entire The entire story of story of Romeo & Romeo & Juliet takes Juliet takes place place within a within a timeframe timeframe of just four of just four days!days!

The Tragedy of Romeo & The Tragedy of Romeo & JulietJuliet

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