Straight Outta Stratford-Upon-Avon - Shakespeare's Early Days: Crash Course Theater #14

CrashCourse・2 minutes read

William Shakespeare, born in 1564, was a renowned playwright who created numerous works during his career, gaining popularity as an actor and writer. His plays were published in the First Folio in 1623, marking a significant contribution to English literature with his innovative storytelling and character portrayal.

Insights

  • Shakespeare's upbringing in Stratford-upon-Avon, his education at Stratford Grammar School, and his early marriage to Anne Hathaway before moving to London shed light on his personal life and the roots of his literary career.
  • The publication of the First Folio by Heminges and Condell in 1623, which included 36 plays and marked the first comprehensive collection of Shakespeare's works, solidified his legacy and preserved his plays for future generations, emphasizing the significance of his contributions to English literature.

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Recent questions

  • Where was William Shakespeare born?

    Stratford-upon-Avon

  • What was the name of Shakespeare's acting group?

    Lord Chamberlain’s Men

  • How many plays are included in the First Folio?

    36 plays

  • What was the primary focus of Shakespeare's history plays?

    Patriotism and obedience to the king

  • How were Shakespeare's plays published during his time?

    Cheap quartos with errors

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Summary

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Life and Legacy of William Shakespeare

  • William Shakespeare was baptized in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, where his father, John, held civic positions and his mother, Mary, was from a wealthy family. He had four siblings, including actor Edmund who died young.
  • Shakespeare attended Stratford Grammar School, possibly leaving at 13 or 15, and married Anne Hathaway in 1582, moving to London after the birth of their children.
  • In London, Shakespeare became a popular actor and playwright, joining the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, and eventually retiring to Stratford in 1611, passing away in 1616.
  • Playwriting in Elizabethan England was not prestigious, with the need for new plays frequently. Many works were collaborative efforts, and playwrights often relied on side jobs or patronage for income.
  • Plays were published in cheap quartos, often with errors, and playwrights did not earn royalties. Copyright did not exist at the time.
  • Heminges and Condell published the First Folio in 1623, containing 36 plays, excluding some like "Two Noble Kinsmen" and "Pericles."
  • Shakespeare's history plays, like "Richard III," were patriotic and aimed to teach obedience to the king, but his portrayal of characters like Richard III was complex and not wholly negative.
  • Shakespeare transformed the chronicle play into a more exciting form with poetry, insight, and dramatic scenes, setting the stage for his later works like tragedies.
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