Key Points from Lecture on Shakespeare

Jul 29, 2024

Lecture Notes on Shakespeare

Introduction

  • Quote from Romeo and Juliet: "My bounty is as boundless as the sea..."
  • Shakespeare in Love filming experience: Insight into Shakespeare’s life and work.
  • Objectives: Explore Shakespeare’s life, works, and emotional power in his words using Romeo and Juliet.

Why Shakespeare?

  • Timeless Fascination: Shakespeare’s plays are performed globally.
  • Understanding human nature: Greatest portrayal of human relationships.
  • Unique Longevity: Psychological insight unmatched by other writers.

Facts about Shakespeare

  • Limited Biographical Knowledge: Major known facts are few.
    1. Birth: Christened April 26, 1564
    2. Marriage: Married Ann Hathaway on November 27, 1582.
    3. Children: Daughter Susanna born in 1583; twins Judith and Hamnet born in 1585.
    4. Public Recognition: His name first appeared in an attack by Robert Greene in 1592.
    5. Death: Died April 23, 1616.

Shakespeare's Imagination

  • Rich and inclusive creativity depicted in his plays.
  • Romeo and Juliet explores themes of love and tragedy.
  • Universal themes make his work contemporary.
  • Examples of themes:
    • Hamlet: Dysfunctional family
    • Macbeth: Political ambition
    • Romeo and Juliet: Young love and its tragic consequences.

Theatrical Environment

  • Elizabethan London: Combination of opulence and squalor.
  • Audience demographics:
    • Groundlings: Low-cost standing area.
    • Seated patrons: Higher-paying viewers under cover.

Theater Mechanics

  • Performances held during the day, reliant on natural light.
  • Limited comfort: No restrooms, no intermissions.
  • Theaters: Round, wooden structures like the Rose and the Curtain.

Costuming and Social Status

  • Costumes: Reflective of social class; upper class wore flamboyant outfits.
  • Audience's Visual Experience: Contrast between drab commoner clothes and vibrant stage costumes.

The Importance of Playwrights

  • Playwrights painted scenes with words, making verbal description necessary due to minimal scenery.
  • Costumes were vital assets, donated by wealthy benefactors.

Female Roles in Theater

  • Men played women's roles due to regulations prohibiting women on stage.
  • Illustrates societal views on women’s rights and limitations.

Queen Elizabeth I's Influence

  • Supported theater, allowing it to flourish despite societal misgivings.
  • Elizabeth's Power: As a strong single female ruler, she had unique privileges but faced societal constraints.

Summary and Impact of Romeo and Juliet

  • Innovative Structure: Shakespeare combined tragedy and comedy, a blending rarely seen before.
  • Captivating Language: Shakespeare's brilliance shown in balcony scene and emotional expressions.
  • Final Thoughts: Encouragement to delve deeper into Shakespeare to uncover the depth and relevance of his works.

Conclusion

  • Invitation into the exploration of Shakespeare’s world in the classroom.
  • Lasting interest and passion for Shakespeare’s works will enrich lives over time.