THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCEAND WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCERenaissance means

“rebirth”. It refers to a renewed interest in classical learning – the writings of ancient Greece and Rome.The Renaissance was a flowering of literary, artistic and intellectual development.

Began in 1485 when the Battle of Bosworth Field ended the Wars of the Roses and ended with King James I (1625).

THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCE

Highest point occurred during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign (1558-1603).

Social classes were strictly enforced. During this time period, it was nearly impossible to rise above your birth—if you were born a peasant, you died a peasant. Family name and nobility were very important.

THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCE

THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCEGutenberg invented

the first printing press in Germany around 1400. By 1476, William Caxton had his own printing press up and running in Westminster, England. This made books more available.

THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCEMore writers

begin to use the vernacular. The English they use is more similar to modern English than Middle or Old English, but it is not like the English we use today.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE(1564-1616)

WILLIAM SHAKESPEAREShakespeare was born and died in Stratford-Upon-Avon on April 23rd.

He introduced almost 3,000 words to the English language.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEAREShakespeare married Anne Hathaway when he was 18. She was 26 and pregnant with his child.They had 3 children, one of whom died when he was 11.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEAREShakespeare moved to London around 1591 and became an actor.He worked with Lord Chamberlain’s Company, later known as The King’s Men. The Globe Theatre

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Along with acting, Shakespeare wrote 37 plays (comedies, tragedies and histories) and 154 sonnets.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEAREShakespeare returned to Stratford around 1610, where he lived as a country gentleman. He owned one of the largest homes in town. He died in Stratford at the age of 52.