Fine Arts: Theatre Arts
Final Project

About Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon sometime in 1564 and lived until 1616. "His father was a prominent and prosperous alderman in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, and was later granted a coat of arms by the College of Heralds." (1) He did not attend college, although he presumably attended the Stratford Grammar School, and later married Anne Hathaway in 1582. They had a daughter, Susannah, later followed by twins Judith and Hamnet.

In 1599, his acting troupe was wealthy enough to erect The Globe, an open-roofed theatre exclusively for the King's Company to perform in. "Shakespeare entertained the King and the people for another ten years until June 19, 1613, when a canon fired from the roof of the theatre for a gala performance of Henry VIII set fire to the thatch roof and burned the theatre to the ground." (2)

Although Shakespeare helped pay for the rebuilding of The Globe theatre, he retired then and spent the remaining three years of his life writing until his death at 52 years old.

Although we do not go around today saying "thee" and "thou", modern English is still very much alive, albiet usually limited to such folk at Renaissance Faires and the like.

However, modern English is still taught in form via Shakespeare's works in schools today, usually to many students' frustration. To understand the meaning of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, you must read beyond the words and into their meaning - understanding the individual words is inconsequential and in most cases a trite exercise. Shakespeare is famous for his puns upon puns, especially in his labyrinthe comedies. Even comprehending a phrase such as "To be, or not to be: that is the question" (Hamlet, Act III scene 1) to its true meaning that Hamlet is considering suicide can take some brain work.

Last but not least, it helps to understand the story as a whole and how each character fits into the grand scheme of things. For example, The Wicked Witch of the West may only appear briefly, but the glittering red shoes she gave Dorothy is her sole means home. Even knowing obscure myths, legeneds, and history (both English and Greek/Roman helps further understanding; everyone knows who Midas and his famous golden touch is, but what common Joe would understand "This is very midsummer madness!" (Olivia in 12th Night, Act III scene 4) to be a reference to a full moon during summer OR the Midsummer Night holiday on June 23rd and 24th?

I would not doubt that the Bard is rolling around in his grave to hear English today.