~The Life of William Shakespeare~ By Abbey L., Age 11 ~Table of Contents~ Research.......................................................................................................Page 1 Dialogue Skit............................................................................................................Page 3 A letter written by William Shakespeare to his daughter Susanna..........................Page 5 Pictures and Captions................................................................................................Page 6 Explanation of the Genres..............................................................................Page 12 Works Cited...............................................................................................Page 13
Transcript
~The Life of William Shakespeare~ By Abbey L., Age 11
~Table of Contents~
Research.......................................................................................................Page 1 Dialogue Skit............................................................................................................Page 3 A letter written by William Shakespeare to his daughter Susanna..........................Page 5 Pictures and Captions........................................................................ ........................Page 6
Explanation of the Genres..............................................................................Page 12 Works Cited...............................................................................................Page 13
Rain drops, were splashing onto the window-panes of the Shakespeare home in Stratford-upon-
Avon, England, in late April of 1564. John Shakespeare paced back and forth outside a bedroom
door. The sound of a baby's cry interrupted his deep thoughts of worry. The skillful leather-
worker smiled as he looked upon his newborn son, William. Hoping that this child would
survive beyond infancy, his parents never dreamt that he would become much more than a
tradesman himself. Despite this unremarkable beginning, William Shakespeare would grow up
to become one of the most famous poets and playwrights of all time.
At the age of seven, William began attending the local grammar school. Here he studied Latin,
Greek, ancient history and rhetoric (the study of effective writing and speaking). Will spent
long days reading and memorizing long pieces of drama, poetry and history. He demonstrated
at an early age a gifting to memorize these passages easily. Years later, Shakespeare would
incorporate into many of his plays what he had studied in his youth, along with his experience
from the countryside, such as Much Ado About Nothing and Henry V.
At the age of 18, William fell in love with a wealthy farmer’s daughter, Anne Hathaway. Since
William was still legally a minor, he needed special permission to marry Anne. Both parents
gave their permission, and the couple was married on November 30, 1582. Six months later,
Anne gave birth to their first child, Susanna. In a few years, a set of twins followed. Cramped in
the Shakespeare Home, and looking for work to provide income for his growing family, William
left for London to look for a job.
Sometime in the late 1580's, William Shakespeare arrived in Renaissance London. It was in this
bustling city that Shakespeare’s career would take shape and he would experience success. The
modern theatre was becoming a popular form of entertainment. Though he started off in
acting, it was through the demand of his writings that he became famous. Large playhouses
would change their shows often to keep its audience amused. This demand kept Shakespeare
busy with writing. One of his most famous plays written during this time was Henry VI. This
three-part play quickly became favored and was performed repeatedly. People were drawn to
the intense historical drama and unique characters.
Shortly after William started to make a name for himself, the plague hit London, shutting all the
playhouses. During this bleak season, William wrote to the Earl of Southampton asking him to
become his patron. The Earl agreed, and sent him a large sum of money. In return,
Shakespeare wrote two long poems, and dedicated them to the Earl. In addition, Shakespeare
wrote his popular series of short love poems called The Sonnets.
Finally after two years, the playhouses reopened, and Shakespeare became part owner of a
theatre company. Once again, William's plays drew large crowds, and their theatre company
was well-liked. This caught the attention of Lord Chamberlain, who was in charge of
entertainment for the Queen of England. He offered to become their patron, and their group
of actors became known as The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. William’s writings were clever with
extraordinary character development. Some of his big hit plays were The Taming of the Shrew,
Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men continued to know success, but experienced unexpected trouble
when the theatre landowner refused to renew the lease. Therefore, The Lord Chamberlain's
Men decided to build a new theatre. A fellow partner and actor within the company actually
owned the building that rested upon the land. Secretly, they devised a plan to use the valuable
wood boards of the old playhouse toward the building of a new theatre. By the start of the
summer season, they built the best theatre London had ever seen. They called the new
playhouse, the Globe. Shakespeare wrote hit after hit from the romantic comedy, As You Like It
to the Roman tragedy, Julius Caesar.
After the death of Queen Elizabeth in 1603, her cousin King James I took over the patronage of
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. King James enjoyed the theatre and especially favored
Shakespeare’s plays. He summoned them to his palace and announced that their new name
would be The King’s Men. The players became royal servants, and performed often for the
King. Since King James had a peculiar interest in witchcraft, Shakespeare was inspired to
incorporate a specific scene of witches into his well-known play, Macbeth.
For the next twelve years Shakespeare continued to write plays, but many critiques say these
last years were his dark years. Instead of happy, romantic comedies, he began to create
tragedies like King Lear, Antony and Cleopatra and Coriolanus. Some believe that the death of
Queen Elizabeth, and the loss of family members , as well as the deep grief he experienced in
the loss of his son, influenced the darkness expressed in these writings.
At the age of forty-nine, Shakespeare left the loud life of London for the tranquility of Stratford.
His retirement did not last long. At the age of fifty-two, he died in the month of April.
Shakespeare had an elaborate funeral, and was buried at The Holy Trinity Church in Stratford.
Who would have guessed that this once small-town boy, the son of a glove-maker with only a
grammar school education, would become one of the world’s greatest literary geniuses? “Few
if any writers have produced poetry of such compelling beauty as Shakespeare did, not just
occasionally, but again and again. Also, no writer has added more words and phrases to the
English language than Shakespeare." (Hilliam 10) No one has said it better than his friend Ben
Jonson who stated, “He was not of an age, but for all time!” (Aliki 33)
~Dialogue Skit between William Shakespeare and Richard Burbage~
Narrator: Imagine yourself to be back in time. The year is 1613, in the month of July. It
is the grand opening of the Globe theatre. William Shakespeare's play Henry VIII is
about to be performed for the first time.
William Shakespeare, the main character of this skit, is a respected English poet and
playwright. He is also known as the Bard of Avon. In his lifetime, Shakespeare wrote
thirty-seven plays and five poems.
Richard Burbage, the other main character, is an actor and long-time friend to
Shakespeare. He played many of the roles within Shakespeare's plays. Some of his roles
were Romeo, King Oberon, and Hamlet. In addition, he is a significant shareholder in
the Globe. Richard had given The Chamberlain's Men permission to recycle the wood
from the old theatre building that he owned to help build the Globe.
Richard Burbage: Shakespeare, my friend, you have done it again! Look at this crowd
of three thousand! This is going to be the most spectacular, theatrical event, ever. This
is sure to be your most splendid play yet.
Shakespeare: Thank you, my friend. The costumes are amazing. King James, our
patron, spared no expense in the making of this play. Let us take our seats and let the
show begin.
Richard Burbage: Yes, King James' plan to include the cannons was magnificent. I look
forward to the drama and audience's reaction to the firing cannons.
Shakespeare: Clever indeed. I hope that nothing goes wrong with the cannons. I have
to confess that I am a little nervous about that detail. Make haste my friend. The play is
about to begin.
Narrator: The men sat and watched intently. As King Henry VIII made his grand
entrance at the end of the play, the cannons fired. Boom! Boom! One of the cannon
balls went astray, showering the roof with sparks. While the audience concentrated on
the unfolding drama, a smoldering flicker started on the thatched roof. Suddenly, a big
burst of flames caught everyone's attention.
The Audience: Fire! Fire! Run for your lives!!
Narrator: The audience was in an uproar. Madness set in and people were pushing and
shoving to run out of the playhouse.
Shakespeare: (to the actors) Grab the playbooks! I don't want my hard work going up
in flames. They are of great value to me.
Richard Burbage: Actors, rescue as many props and costumes as you can.
Groundling #1: Aaahhhh! Help, my breeches are on fire!!!!!!!!!!
Groundling #2: Stop running and I will throw my ale onto your trousers!
Groundling #1: Whew, thanks for saving my breeches. That was a close call.
Narrator: Within minutes, the Globe was a blazing fire. The players watched helplessly
as the newest, greatest theatre burned to the ground in an hour's time. Apart from the
burning breeches, miraculously, no one was injured.
Richard Burbage: Thankfully no one is hurt. We must start rebuilding right away. This
is going to be quite a setback, but we will make it through.
Shakespeare: This is a sign for me Richard. I have spent my lifetime writing, and I am
getting tired. I am too old. This is my end. You will have to go on without me. The
peaceful countryside is calling for me. I am going back to Stratford to be with my family.
Richard Burbage: Oh, William, it won't be the same without you. Who can follow in
such large footsteps? Your playwrights are masterpieces. I have never seen anyone
create so many diverse and entertaining works. Thank you for the many years you have
given England such wonderful entertainment. I will miss you greatly, but wish you the
very best. Farewell, my friend.
GLOSSARY:
Groundling - Usually a poor person who would pay a penny to be able to watch the play
from the ground.
~A Letter from William Shakespeare to his daughter Susanna~
Cannon Catastrophe!
February 12, 1613
Dearest Susanna,
I trust that you are doing well and are in good health. My mind often takes me back
to your wedding day! You looked as beautiful as a rose in bloom. It was such a happy
day. The weather was fine , and the event delightful. A memory I shall not soon
forget.
I write to tell you that it won't be long until I see you again. The simplicity of
Stratford calls out to me. I miss the splendor of the scenery and the company of my
family. London's noise has grown louder and its excitement has worn off. Its busy
streets I can no longer tolerate. You marvell'st at my words. I know. You have heard
me speak of coming home many times. This time, I am in earnest, and my words are
true indeed. My time here in London is at an end.
I am in the midst of writing my farewell play as I pen this letter to you. I have entitled
it, The Tempest. It is about a magician named Prospero and his daughter, Miranda.
Near the end of the play, Prospero takes off his cloak and lays aside his spell book ,
leaving the world of magic behind him. Like Prospero, I shall lay aside my quill and
leave the world of theatre behind me.
Tell your mother to ready the home for me. I will call for you upon my return. Make
your days merry with your new husband. I long to see all of you soon in lovely
Stratford, for as it says in my play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, "I know a bank
where the wild thyme blows, where oxlips and the nodding violet grows."
Your Loving Father, William Shakespeare
~Pictures and Captions~
Most people are familiar with the name, William Shakespeare, but no legal birth certificate has
been found proving his birth date. Records show that Shakespeare was baptized on April 26,
1564. Traditionally, most children during Shakespeare’s lifetime were baptized three days after
their birth. Historians have used this fact to mark his birth date to be April 23, 1564.
The home in Stratford-Upon-Avon, where William Shakespeare was born. The house dates back to the 1500's.
It is open to the public today.
A portrait drawing of Mrs. William Shakespeare (Anne Hathaway). Shakespeare was married to Anne for thirty-four years.
A rear view of New Place, the home that Shakespeare purchased for his family.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a replica of the original theatre, which was destroyed by fire in 1613. It is located in London and is a popular tourist attraction.
Inside Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the replica. Some historians say that the inside circular shape inspired the name of the theatre to be called, the Globe. At the very top of the theatre,
Shakespeare and his company flew a flag with Hercules carrying a Globe on his shoulders.
A picture of Richard Burbage. (Born, 1567 - Died, 1619)
This small book was the first attempt of a collected edition of all Shakespeare's non-dramatic verses, including most of his sonnets. There are fewer than fifty surviving copies in the world.
It was first published in 1640.
Holy Trinity Church in Stratford, England where Shakespeare was baptized and buried. Although there is no record of his death, historians believe that he died on April 23, 1616. This
is the same date that they believe that he was born.
"William Shakespeare is buried in front of the alter in Holy Trinity Church. Buried alongside him are his wife, Anne Hathaway, His, daughter Susanna, and his
granddaughter, Elizabeth Hall." (Hilliam page 96)
This photograph shows the memorial that Shakespeare's wife, Anne, requested be built in honor of her husband.
The memorial was installed in Holy Trinity within a few years of his death. The quill in his hand is changed in a special ceremony every year.
~Explanation of the Genres~
Dialogue Skit between William Shakespeare and Richard Burbage The opening narrative of this play gives quite a bit of factual information. The month, year and
opening play performed at the Globe is true, and is new information to my report. Also, the
descriptions of the main characters were written out of all the information I learned, as I
studied the life of William Shakespeare, therefore it is factual. The skit itself is fictional, but the
underlined details describing the tragic fire of the Globe are true, even the mention of the
groundling's breeches that were caught on fire. In several books it indicated that the fire was
put out with ale. I found this incident to be so hilarious that I wanted to find a way to make use
of it.
A Letter Written by William Shakespeare to his daughter, Susanna
This letter is mostly fictional. However, what is true and new information is that William
Shakespeare wrote the play, The Tempest. The story-line described in the letter is also factual.
I wanted to include this information because many modern-day scholars believe that this play
was Shakespeare’s farewell to the literary world. Some critiques say that it was through the
character Prospero that Shakespeare was telling the world that he was retiring from his active
theatre life.
Pictures and Captions All the pictures with captions are factual. The details concerning the birth certificate and how
historians marked Shakespeare's birth date are new to my report. Another new fact from my
research is included in the caption under the picture of Shakespeare's home in Stratford-Upon-
Avon. It indicates that this house is open to the public for visitation today. Several other
pictures have their captions underlined as well, indicating that it is new information. There was
plenty of interesting material that I could not include in the research part of the project, but
found that the use of photos made it possible to highlight other fascinating facts I learned.
~Works Cited~
Aliki. William Shakespeare & the Globe. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1999.
Dickins, Rosie. William Shakespeare. United States of America: Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2008.
Dommermuth-Costa, Carol. William Shakespeare. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Co., 2002.
Hammerschmidt-Hummel, Hildegard. The Life and Times of William Shakespeare 1564-1616.
London, England: Chaucer Press, 2007.
Hilliam, David. William Shakespeare, England's Greatest Playwright and Poet. New York: Rosen
Pub. Group, 2005.
Langley, Andrew. Shakespeare's Theatre. United States of America: Oxford University Press Inc.,
1999.
McDermott PhD, Kirsten & Berk PhD, Ari. William Shakespeare, His Life and Times. Heshan,
Guangdong, China: Templar Books, 2010.
Nesbit, Edith. The Children's Shakespeare. Chicago, Illinois: Academy Chicago Publishers, 2000.
Pressley, J.M. The Shakespeare Resource Center 1997-2011. This site last updated: February 6,
Rosen, Michael & Ingpen, Robert. Shakespeare, His Work and His World. Cambridge,
Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2001.
Stanley, Dianne & Vennema, Peter. Bard of Avon. New York, NY: Morrow Junior Books, 2008.
Thrasher, Thomas. The Importance of William Shakespeare. San Diego, California: Lucent Books
Inc., 1999.
Williams, Marcia. Bravo, Mr. William Shakespeare!. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick
Press, 2000.
Pictures in order of appearance: http://literaturerules.wordpress.com/2010/04/23/happy-birthday-william-shakespeare/ http://www.abolitionist.com/william-shakespeare.html http://www.travelblog.org/Photos/3568724 http://guillermomateos14.blogspot.com/2010/02/shakespeares-life-when-was-he-born-find.html http://londonengland.ca/attractions/globetheatre.html ttp://www.adamandlyn.co.uk/country/strat_newplc_rear.shtml
