Unraveling Shakespeare: The Man and His Time

Unraveling Shakespeare: The Man and His Time

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will have knowledge about Shakespeare's life, works, and the Elizabethan theater.

What do you already know about William Shakespeare?

Introduction to Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language.

Shakespeare's Life

Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564. He married Anne Hathaway and had three children.

Shakespeare's Works

Shakespeare's plays, such as 'Hamlet,' 'Macbeth,' and 'Romeo and Juliet,' are celebrated for their enduring themes and complex characters.

Elizabethan Theater

The Elizabethan era was a vibrant period for theater, marked by the popularity of public theaters and the patronage of Queen Elizabeth I.

The Globe Theatre

Shakespeare's plays were performed at the Globe Theatre, a renowned venue in London where audiences of all social classes gathered to enjoy live performances.

Themes in Shakespeare's Works

Shakespeare's plays explore diverse themes, including love, power, ambition, and the complexities of human nature.

Interactive Activity: Character Analysis

Students will analyze a character from one of Shakespeare's plays and present their findings to the class.

Legacy of Shakespeare

Shakespeare's influence extends to modern literature, drama, and film, demonstrating the enduring impact of his works across centuries.

Key Takeaways

Understand Shakespeare's life, major works, the Elizabethan theater, and the enduring legacy of his literary contributions.

Discussion: Relevance of Shakespeare Today

Engage students in a discussion about the relevance of Shakespeare's works in contemporary society and popular culture.

Conclusion and Reflection

Reflect on the impact of Shakespeare's legacy and how his works continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.