freewrite are men more inherently prone to violence, particularly physical violence? make an...
TRANSCRIPT
Freewrite
Are men more inherently prone to violence, particularly physical violence? Make an argument either way. What are the implications of your argument?
Demystifying Shakespeare
Did NOT write in Old English Beowulf is Old English Shakespeare wrote in
Modern English
Shakespeare’s plays were not written for the elite or “high-browed”
Brief Sketch of the Man
Baptized 26 April 1564; died 23 April 1616
Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's preeminent dramatist
His plays have been translated into every major living language, and are performed more often than those of any other playwright
Early Life and Marriage
Shakespeare was
born and raised in
Stratford-upon-Avon
At 18, he married
Anne Hathaway,
who bore him 3
children:
Susanna, and
twins Hamnet
and Judith
Lost Years
Between 1585 and 1592 is known as Shakespeare's "lost years“
What we do know: a few of his plays were on the London stage by 1592
Shakespeare in London
By 1594, Shakespeare's
plays were performed only by
the Lord Chamberlain's Men,
a company owned by a group
of players, including
Shakespeare
They soon became the
leading playing company in
London
The Globe
In 1599, a partnership of company members built their own theatre on the south bank of the Thames, which they called the Globe
End of Life and Death
1607 on, he wrote few plays and probably spent most his time back home in Avon
Died on 23 April 1616 and was survived by his wife and two daughters
Shakespeare’s Work
Wrote major works that were exceptional in all four categories of drama: comedy, tragedy, romance, and history Later in life, some of these categories were
mixed
Poetry – a bunch of
sonnets are his most
famous
Why is Shakespeare Soo Good?
Shakespeare was never “revered” in his lifetime, even if he received his share of praise
Why he is NOT famous: His stories: he stole most
of them (that was normal)
So why…?
Here’s Why1. How he reinterpreted other
people’s stories
2. The power, clarity, and depth of his language and poetry
3. The psychological depth of his characters
4. The depth and breadth his stories explore issues, themes, and ideas
Approaches to Shakespeare
Not Abstract Narrative is “normal” and comprehensive Characters are real, normal people Language expresses comprehensible
ideas
Language: some of the unknown language is simply a product of its time “Semantic drift” too
Enjoyment Maturity of tastes
Approaches Continued
Deciphering a Puzzle
“Not my personal taste” is not an excuse for “not understanding” An honors class is about mastering
language and not finding out what you like to read; these sorts of texts are awesome ways of pushing your abilities
Avoid extremes: figuring out every word vs. giving up