Why is Shakespeare still Relevant? The World of Shakespeare A trumpet sounds to announce the start of the play. People are pushing and elbowing for a place to stand in the open courtyard around the stage. These are the London theater-goers of the 16th century, and they are anxious to see the latest productions by William Shakespeare. The World of Shakespeare Though William Shakespeare lived 400 years ago, his plays and poems have grown in world-wide popularity to this very day. His writings have been translated into more languages than any book in world except the Bible. No other writer’s plays have been produced so many time in so many countries. The World of Shakespeare One of the main reasons for Shakespeare’s appeal is the great variety of characters he created. His plays have given life to thieves and nobles, murderers and kings, love-sick maidens and power-mad princes. Some characters are full of laughter and song. Others, gloom and woe. But all of them run into interesting situations and face terrible dilemmas that spring from timeless human conditions such as - ambition, misunderstanding, greed, envy, love, fear, guilt and despair. The World of Shakespeare Why are Shakespeare’s plays so appealing? The World of Shakespeare Shakespeare lived in England during the rule of Queen Elizabeth I. This was an era known as the Elizabethan Age, a time when England was strong and culture was thriving. But the English people of those times accepted some strange superstitions. Many believed in ghosts, witches, and magicians. Often they put great faith in dreams and visions that could foretell the future. The World of Shakespeare What were some of the “strange” things that people believed in Elizabethan England? The World of Shakespeare The city of London was the heart of Elizabethan England. All the theaters were located there. The playwright was an important man, for everyone from the Queen to the shopkeeper went to the plays. This form of entertainment was so popular that a special law was passed to stop young apprentices from sneaking away from their jobs to go to the theater. The World of Shakespeare What was the law that was passed due to the popularity of the theater? The World of Shakespeare The actors performed on a platform without curtains or stage sets. The audience depended on the playwright’s words to transport them to a moonlit garden, a dusty battlefield, or a cold, silent tomb. Even though there were no sets, the productions were colorful. Bright cloth was hung across the back of the stage, and the costumes were dazzling. The World of Shakespeare How were the plays in Elizabethan England different than plays today? (give 3 examples) The World of Shakespeare Elizabethan play-goers expected action in their dramas, and the plots moved swiftly. Members of the audience could howl with pleasure or dissatisfaction at any time. The crowds liked to see plenty of bloodshed, and every good actor learned to use a sword. There were no actresses on the London stage in Shakespeare’s day. It was thought improper for women to appear in plays, so boys took the women’s parts. The World of Shakespeare Who played the parts of women in plays? Why? (2 complete sentences) The World of Shakespeare Shakespeare’s plays offered great entertainment. They also offered unschooled people of the day a chance to learn about their own history and the history of other countries. William Shakespeare could give his audiences everything they wanted - a good cry, a good laugh, a good scare and a deep look into human naturejust what we ask of great entertainment today. The World of Shakespeare What did Shakespeare’s plays give to the audience? The World of Shakespeare Why do you think that plays were so popular during Shakespeare’s time? (use evidence from the text to support your answer) The World of Shakespeare Why do you think that Shakespeare’s play remain so popular today? It’s used EVERYDAY– Yes!! EVERYDAY!! The World of Shakespeare His works are timeless!! Think about some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, such as Romeo and Juliet. It is a classic and tragic love story that we see time and time again. Or how about Macbeth, a good man consumed by ambition, ultimately leading to his downfall – a story of good conquering evil. Shakespeare’s plays have formed a template for many books and movies produced today. The World of Shakespeare West Side Story (semi-modern version of Romeo and Juliet) The World of Shakespeare His themes are timeless Shakespeare’s works have strong themes that run through each piece. And again, these themes are still relevant today – love, death, ambition, power, fate, free will, just to name a few. So Shakespeare’s works are timeless and universal. That also makes them relatable. His plays were written a long time ago, true, but they are based on his view of life as a whole. They are not just reflections of his own life within the confines of his own times.
