2. Shakespeare’s Life Who is he? Famous English poet and playwright What are some interesting facts about his life? Married his 26 year-old wife, Anne Hathaway when he was 18 How did he become a writer? Shakespeare was originally an actor, but the theatres in London were closed down due to the Bubonic plague, thus he turned to being a writer.
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4. Shakespeare’s Life What was his social status like? Born into a middle-class family, and after getting married, he worked as an actor and was wealthy enough to buy New Place, one of Stratford’s biggest houses. Most probably a high-class in his old age. What inspired him to write? He was inspired by great novelists of his days like Ovid and Seneca as well as current events like history, plagues, social system of that era.
5. Shakespeare’s Life Why were his plays so well received? His plays were well-received as they portrayed many of the human experiences which transcended beyond the social statuses across the board like love, hate, greed
6. England in Shakespeare’s Time What was England like in Shakespearian time? The lifestyle of people were accorded according to their status. The rich lived decadent lives whilst the poor scrounged to barely survive.
7. England in Shakespeare’s Time What were some of the significant historical events that affected England during this period? Nine years’ war, Desmond rebellions, Ridolfi plot, Essex rebellion Who ruled the monarchy during this period? Queen Elizabeth I Did the people in power impact or influence shakespeare’s work? If yes, how?Yes. Shakespeare’s work mostly revolved around royalty and the rich people, for example Macbeth, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet
8. England in Shakespeare’s Time What was the social status like during these years? The social status was regimented with mingling of the same status and shunning the lower classes What were the theatres like in that era? Originating first from a mobile stage, the theatres established themselves outside London jurisdiction, escaping the censorship of London
9. England in Shakespeare’s Time How did the set-up affect the plays that Shakespeare presented? The earliest theatre were built of timber and prone to damage and fire. Later theatres were dome-shaped structures with mezzanine stage that was restricted only by the entrance and exit.
10. The Renaissance What does renaissance mean? It refers to the revival of arts, literature and learning. Significant events and changes that took place during this period of time? It was an optimistic outlook where everyone strived forward and there was an astronomical growth and financial boom.
11. The Renaissance How did the Renaissance affect or influence Shakespeare’s work? It inspired him to write the play, Othello, which reflected conflicts of fate and individualism where, Iago decided to take fate into his own hands to rise up the social ladder, ending in disaster.
