Introduction to
Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
Born 1564 in Stratford-onAvon, died 1616.
 Actor, charter member of
Lord Chamberlain’s Men
later known as the King’s
Men.
 Playwright, wrote 37 plays.
 Poet, wrote over 150
sonnets.

Types of Plays

Shakespeare wrote:

Comedies - light and amusing,
usually with a happy ending

Tragedies –serious dramas
with disastrous endings

Histories – involve events or
persons from history
The Theatre
•
The Globe
Theatre:
•
Open ceiling
•
Three stories high
•
No artificial
lighting
•
Plays were shown
during daylight
hours only
Spectators

Wealthy people got
to sit on benches

The poor (called
“groundlings”) had
to stand and watch
from the courtyard

There was much
more audience
participation than
today
Actors

Six to eight sharers and
then an equal number of
hired minor actors who
played all of the roles.

Only men and boys.

Young boys whose voices
had not changed played
the women’s roles.

It would have been
indecent for a woman to
appear on stage.
The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet

Based on a poem by Arthur
Brooke, “The Tragicall
Historye of Romeus and
Juliet” which was based on
older Italian stories.

Tells the story of two starcrossed lovers doomed to
disaster by fate and their
tragic flaw of
implusiveness.
The Montagues
Lord Montague – father of Romeo
Lady Montague – mother of Romeo
Romeo Montague – son
Benvolio – nephew of Montague and Romeo’s cousin
Balthasar – servant to Romeo
Abram – servant to Montague
The Capulets
Lord Capulet – father of Juliet
Lady Capulet – mother of Juliet
Juliet Capulet – daughter
Tybalt – nephew of Lady Capulet, Juliet’s cousin
Nurse – takes care of Juliet
Sampson and Gregory-servants to Capulet
Peter – servant to Juliet’s Nurse
An Old Man-servant
Royalty
Prince Escalus – ruler of Verona
Mercutio – kinsman of the Prince and friend of
Romeo
Count Paris – a young nobleman
Clergy
Friar Laurence – a Franciscan priest
Friar John – another Franciscan priest
Others
An Apothocary- a druggist
Page –to Paris
Chief Watchman
Three Musicians
An Officer
Citizens of Verona, Relatives, Maskers, Guards,
Watchmen and Attendants
Things to think about…

What would you do if your
parents did not approve of
someone you were dating?

How important is the opinion of
your family in decisions that you
make?

Does violence solve problems?