William Shakespeare :: essays research papers

William ShakespeareBorn on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England. His father JohnShakespeare and his mother Mary Arden. W.S. was able to attend grammer schooland learned Greek and Latin classics (this is comparable to college educationtoday). At age 14 his father lost the family fortune and remained poor untilhis deathAt 18 he married Anne Hathaway in 1582. She was 26 years old. They had threechildren Suzanne(1583) and the twins Hamnet and Judith(1585).In his mid-twenties he left Stratford(supposedly because of poaching on theQueens land) for London. His first job with Richard Burbages manpower was as anosler next an actor.No one knows what he was doing during 1585-1592.By 1592 he had become known in London as an actor and playwright his salary increase wasrapid.Queen Elizabeth 1 supported the arts and the star sign.In 1592 a plague closed the theaters(Shakespeare wrote poetry during this timeto support himself). In 1593 a brief reopening of the theater happened. In 159 4theaters reopened.The troupe became the Lord Chamberlains Men set up on a servant co-op structure.Requirements for actors1. loud voice 2. sing and play instruments 3. acceptable swordsman 4. good memoriesDuring this time he wrote many comedies Comedy of Errors first of any status.Histories were written in support of the govt. This is where they werereceiving much of the financial support so they wanted to keep the govt (Queen)happy. W.S. was a major stockholder in the theater.1597-bought New Place in Stratford(2nd largest house)1599-Lord Chamberlains Men bought land and built the worldly concern Theater inSouthwark(South Bank of the Thames River). W.S. owned 1/10th1603-Queen Elizabeth died. King James took reign of England. He loved thearts more than the queen. The name was changed from Lord Chamberlains Men tothe Kings Men.1608-Added to the Globe Theater by buying the Black Friars Theater and givingperformances there also. W.S. owned 1/7th1613-Fire at the Globe during a performa nce of total heat 8th rebuilt within a year.Left comedies and histories to write tragedies soon after the Globe reopened.Sonnets-published in 1610 but circulated earlier.First Tragedy The Tragedy of Hamlet