This comprehensive guide covers various aspects of studying Shakespeare's plays, including historical context, characteristics of Elizabethan drama, and approaches to analysis and writing a literature essay. It provides a structured framework for students to deepen their understanding of Shakespear...
Studying a Shakespearian Play
How to approach and analyze Shakespeare’s play + how to approach writing a
literary essay
History and Context behind Shakespeare
William Shakespeare's Career and Life (1592-1616)
1. Early Career (1592-1594):
Historical Dramas: During this period, Shakespeare focused on writing
historical dramas.
The Plague: The outbreak of the plague caused theaters to close,
leading Shakespeare to write poems and sonnets. By this time, he had
already written over 100 sonnets.
2. Success and Membership (1594):
Lord Chamberlain's Men: In 1594, Shakespeare became a successful
member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a prominent acting company.
3. Financial Success and Real Estate (1597):
Wealth: Due to his success, Shakespeare earned significant money,
unlike many other writers of his time.
New Place: In 1597, he purchased New Place, one of the best houses in
Stratford-upon-Avon, for his family.
4. Life in London:
Move to London: Shakespeare moved to London with his family but did
not buy a house for himself there.
Greatest Play: In 1599, after his company moved to The Globe Theatre,
Shakespeare wrote what is often considered his greatest play.
5. Later Works and Company (1603-1608):
Macbeth: Written in 1606.
Studying a Shakespearian Play 1
, King’s Men: In 1603, the Lord Chamberlain's Men were renamed the
King’s Men. Shakespeare continued to write plays for them until 1608.
6. Final Years (1608-1616):
Continued Writing: Shakespeare continued to write plays until 1611.
Death: He died in 1616 and was buried in the Holy Trinity Church in
Stratford-upon-Avon.
Historical Context of Elizabethan England
The Elizabethan Era: A Golden Age
1. Political Landscape: Queen Elizabeth I ruled England during Shakespeare's
time (1558-1603). Her reign was marked by political stability and the flourishing
of English Renaissance. The monarch's authority and the intrigue of court
politics often found reflections in Shakespeare's plays, particularly in histories
like "Richard III" or "Henry V".
2. Socio-Economic Dynamics: The Elizabethan era was marked by rapid social
change, with the emergence of a rising middle class and a growing urban
population. Economic expansion, overseas exploration, and trade enriched the
nation, contributing to the cultural efflorescence known as the English
Renaissance.
3. Religious Climate: England experienced religious upheavals during the 16th
century, with the Protestant Reformation challenging the authority of the
Catholic Church. Queen Elizabeth I's religious settlement established the
Church of England as the state religion, but religious tensions persisted. This
backdrop influenced Shakespeare's portrayal of themes such as morality, sin,
and redemption.
4. Theater and Entertainment: The Elizabethan era saw the emergence of
professional theater companies and the construction of purpose-built theaters
like the Globe and the Rose. Theater became a popular form of entertainment
for people from all social classes, and Shakespeare's plays were performed for
both aristocrats and commoners alike.
5. Language and Literature: Shakespeare's works were deeply influenced by
the linguistic richness of the Elizabethan era. English was evolving rapidly, with
the standardization of grammar and vocabulary. Shakespeare himself
contributed significantly to the development of the English language, coining
many words and phrases still in use today.
Studying a Shakespearian Play 2
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