Shakespeare Project
By: Maddie Walker
Shakespeare's Background
Shakespeare had a mysterious past, in fact no one knows when he was born. Although people do know he was baptized on April 26, 1564. William had two older sisters and three younger brothers. There are very few records on his childhood or on his education. Some believe that he went to King's New School, an all boy's grammar school and academy. He married at the age of 18 to Anne Hathaway and the couple had three children.
The Elizabethan Era
Shakespeare was alive during the Elizabethan Era, the period of time in which Elizabeth I was in power. She became the Queen of England in 1558 and her rule lasted for 45 years. Queen Elizabeth valued arts and education and she was fond of the theater.
Shakespeare's Popular Plays
Hamlet
Hamlet is about a boy named Hamlet whose father was murdered by his uncle. He then meets a ghost who tells him to get revenge on his uncle, which Hamlet tries to do. This play was made in 1603.
Macbeth
This play is about a brave general named Macbeth who wants to be king, and will do anything in his way to get the throne. Macbeth was made in 1623.
Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet is about the son and daughter of two rivals falling in love although it's forbidden. The two would do anything to be together. This play was made in 1597.
Shakespeare's Influence on Language Today
Shakespeare has given us many words and phrases we use today, such as gloomy, majestic, lonely, outbreak, and many others. There are some phrases like "in a pickle" or "a wild goose chase" are from his plays, those two examples are from Romeo and Juliet. Another phrase "a heart of gold" is from Henry V.
Citations
- Dickinson, Christy. "The Elizabehtan Age." Shakespeare in American Comunities. n.d. Web. 3 Mar. 2015.
- "William Shakespeare." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 6 Mar. 2015.
- "Hamlet." SparkNotes. n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2015.
- "Macbeth." SparkNotes. n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2015.
- Anderson, Hephzibah . "How Shakespeare influences the way we speak today." BBC Culture. 27 May 2014. Web. 8 Mar. 2015