“Shakespeare in the Classroom” Video Guide reading page 38

1. What are five facts known about Shakespeare?

 ____Christened in Stratford-upon- Avon ___________________________________________

 ____Married to Ann Hathaway ___________________________________________________

 __Daughter Sussana and Twins Hammet and Judith christened____________________________

 ___Name first appears in print _______________________________________________________

 ___Died at Stratford-upon-Avon ___________________________________________

2. What are two examples of subjects Shakespeare wrote about that makes his

work seem contemporary, or modern?

____Power war violence and passion _________________________

3. Why would theaters regularly be closed down?

___They were closed down because of the plague.__________________________________________

4. Why was attending plays a common denominator between the contrasting classes?

___They were are welcome, because people can afford the fee._____________________________

5. Why were performances held in the afternoons?

__Most of the lighting had to be supplied by the sun. ____________________________________

6. Instead of elaborate sets, what did theaters rely on for “scenery”?

_____They had to paint pictures with words.____________________________________________

7. Why were the costumes of the actors so elegant?

__Gifts of the wealthy benefactors, donated by them.___________________

_______________________________________________________________

8. It was illegal for anyone under the rank of count, or countess, to wear what color?

_______Purple was the color._____________________________________________

9. How was the theater in Shakespeare’s time like modern show business?

_____fierce rivalry__________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

10. Why didn’t city officials like the theaters?

___It attracted bad people, they could spread disease and people left jobs_____________________

“Shakespeare in the Classroom” Video Guide reading page 39

11. Who was not allowed to appear on stage?

_____________women__________________________________________________

12. What was one of the main components audiences, as well as critics, wanted to see?

_______________comedy,love,bloodshed________________________________________________

13. Who was the most popular playwright in Shakespeare’s time?

________________Christopher Marlowe_______________________________________________

14. Who played women’s parts?

_______________men________________________________________________

15. Who was Queen during Shakespeare’s time?

____________Queen Elizabeth I___________________________________________________

16. Why did playhouses succeed during Shakespeare’s time?

______Queen Elizabeth enjoyed the plays ______________________________________________

17. Why didn’t the Queen ever marry?

_______She had more power while single_____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

18. How did Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” differ from other plays of his time?

_______it was mixed between comedy and tragedy________________________________________

19. What is the relationship between Romeo and Juliet?

________Lovers from feuding families______________________________________________

20. Why does Romeo poison himself?

____He thinks Juliet is dead_____________________________________________________

Bonus: Name two of the modern actors that appeared in “Shakespeare in the Classroom”