Shakespeare WebQuest
Shakespeare’s Life and Works
1. When and where was Shakespeare born?
2. Describe his upbringing and education.
3. Describe his marriage. How many children? Which one died while young?
4. Did Shakespeare attend college? What is the theory?
5. What were the “Lost Years”?
6. What were the three types of plays he wrote?
7. How many plays did he write?
8. Besides writing plays, what other skills made Shakespeare a "jack of all trades?"
9. When and where did Shakespeare die?
10. Why do we still read his works today? (Hint: think of theme)
Part II: The Theatre
11. When was the Globe Theatre built?
12. How much did standing room cost in the pit?
13. What time of day did performances take place? Why?
14. What happened to the theatre in 1613? Why?
15. Where were most theaters built? (in or out of the city)? How was the public notified about
performances (what went up)?
16. Who played the female roles and why?
17. What type of scenery and props were used? (what kinds)
18. What were the costumes like for poorer class and the high class?
19. What other skills did actors need besides acting ability?
20. Who was Richard Burbage?
21. Who were the King's Men or Chamberlain's Men?
Part III: Macbeth
22. How long (years) did the “real” (historical) Macbeth rule Scotland?
23. In what time period did the real Macbeth live and rule (century)?
24. Please list one famous line from the play.
25. List two examples of imagery and two examples of motifs from the play.
26. Why do actors in the theatre call Macbeth “the Scottish play”? What is the curse of
Macbeth?
Part IV: The Myth
27. Why do many scholars believe there is no real Shakespeare?
28. Name three people thought to be the real Shakespeare.
29. Choose one of the people from #28 and tell me why they are thought to be the real
Shakespeare.
30. After watching the last, fun video made by two teachers in Hawaii, what is one fact or idea
that is new to you? What do you want to get out of reading Shakespeare?