William Shakespeare

Research the author William Shakespeare. Where was he born? Was he married? What plays did he pen? Post any important information that you find. 

ELizabethan Theater Experience

Elizabethan Theater Experience:

In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the time period in which William Shakespeare was active in the theater, attending a play during the afternoon was a favorite leisure activity for many members of London society in much the same way as going to movies and plays is a popular form of entertainment today. A closer examination of the theatre of Shakespeare’s time, however, will reveal many differences between the Elizabethan theater and the movies and plays of today. Research what this theater experience was like and post your findings.

Shakespeare's Stinging Phrases

Five hundred years ago, little in life moved more quickly than a trotting horse. With no media to fill the day, there was nothing but space for song and speech. Elizabethans took a delight with language, weaving together terms to form stinging phrases of wit. Shakespeare himself is thought to have invented (or first published) nearly 1,700 words. This was a period prior to the first English Dictionary (published 1604) where you might stitch together "ale" and "louse" to accuse your neighbor of being an "ale-louse" and no one could gainsay your usage. Research insults created by Shakespeare and post your results. Then go to the following site: www.pangloss.com/seidel/shake_rule.html and create your own insults. Post your creation.

Wedding Customs

It is said that one of the gifts to England of the Elizabethan era is Shakespeare. The Renaissance that began in Italy only made its way to England during the Elizabethan era. Shakespeare was a huge example used by many to demonstrate how the Renaissance came to be in England. It was said that 26 year old Anne Hathaway was impregnated by 18 year old William Shakespeare before their marriage. To avoid scandals and rumors, they were set to wed. Although William was three years below the age of consent, this is not entirely impossible as he may already have been treated as a working man due to financial problems that John faced. Research marriage traditions and post your findings.

Verona, Italy

'Romeo and Juliet' is set in Verona in Italy. There are a number of reasons for this setting, Verona is said to be a very romantic city so it makes the romance seem more real. It is also very hot in summer which can flare peoples tempers and lead to fights - "We shall not scape a brawl; For now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring" says Benvolio afraid a fight will break out in the mid-summer heat. The heat further ignites the passion between Romeo and Juliet so it is not only negative.

Research Verona and post any interesting facts that you may encounter about this city. Where is it located? What does it look like? Etc.

Elizabethan Beauty

Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn, ascended to the throne of England in 1558. With her pale complexion and curly red hair, she was considered to be beautiful for the standards of her time. Once Queen, Elizabeth would start to set trends and wealthy women would go to great lengths to look like her. Beauty was viewed very differently in this era. Research what people perceived as beauty and post your findings. How did they attain this look?

Life Expectancy

England saw numerous epidemics in Elizabethan days. Queen Elizabeth herself came down with smallpox, though a mild case of it. The average person lived to be 42 years old. Someone who had money may have lived longer.

Research what illnesses and health issues people suffered from that may have contributed to their death. How could hygiene habits have also brought about illness and death during the Elizabethan era? Post your findings.

Shakespeare's Language

Shakespeare was responsible for creating several phrases/words that we still use today.  Please research these phrases coined by Shakespeare and post your findings.  In addition, do not forget to tell your readers what these phrases mean. 

Romeo and Juliet: Interesting Fact about Elizabethan Era

Romeo and Juliet:
The Elizabethan era was very different than today's society. In order to examine this historical time, you will research this era more closely.
Search, document on your MWDS (historical), and then post your findings on this blog.  Work with your partner to determine what facts you would like share with your classmates.   What have you discovered about the way people lived during this time frame.  Please post your findings.  Remember that language is a tool to express yourself; please use appropriate language.