Likely the most influential writer in all of English literature and
certainly the most important playwright of the English Renaissance, William Shakespeare was born in 1564 in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, England.
Around 1590 he left his family behind and traveled to London to work as an actor and playwright. Public and critical success quickly followed, and Shakespeare eventually became the most popular playwright in England and part owner of the Globe Theater.
His career bridged the reigns of Elizabeth I (ruled 1558-1603) and James I (ruled 1603-1625). Wealthy and renowned, Shakespeare retired to Stratford, and died in 1616 at the age of fifty-two.
Shakespeare's works were collected and printed in various editions in the century following his death, and by the early eighteenth century his reputation as the greatest poet ever to write in English was well established.
The Tempest is Shakespeare's last play. It is often classified as a "romance" and has elements of tragedy and comedy. Like many other plays, the play is a revenge play, but the conclusion Prospero comes to is that revenge isn't worth a fig. The wise man will turn from revenge, forgive the trespasser, and save himself (and others) from tragedy.
The Tempest takes place in a green world. Like the forest in Midsummer, on the island anything can happen. Like Marlowe's Dr. Faustus or Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, it is filled with surprises, special effects, and magic. Some of its comedy comes from commedia dell'arte, but other than stage business, the play seems to be a very personal "farewell to the stage" -- since it was Shakespeare's last production. It captures such historical works as A Discovery of the Barmudas (1610), A True Declaration of the Estate of the Colonie in Virginia (1610), among other pamphlets and the popular topic of the day as England explores America. This is Shakespeare's opinion, some critics say, about what the Bard thought about colonization and America. It is often seen as an allegory, a farewell, a revenge comedy, a romance. It is the culmination of Shakespeare's skill and stands out as one of his best plays.
Further information on the Tempest can be found here.
And info from the Folger library here.
Shakespeare's Life
Shakespeare's Theatre
Drama majors (and other interested students): It behooves you to learn about Shakespeare's theater, his life, and information about the Folger Library (a good source to carry with you to college). Please check out these links and take notes on the subject. By reading and taking notes on academic material, we are reinforcing learning. Later in your life this trivia and knowledge may translate into being well-read, self-confident, and interesting. The skills you learn now translate into practice for upper level post secondary education (college) and post-graduate work.
Around 1590 he left his family behind and traveled to London to work as an actor and playwright. Public and critical success quickly followed, and Shakespeare eventually became the most popular playwright in England and part owner of the Globe Theater.
His career bridged the reigns of Elizabeth I (ruled 1558-1603) and James I (ruled 1603-1625). Wealthy and renowned, Shakespeare retired to Stratford, and died in 1616 at the age of fifty-two.
Shakespeare's works were collected and printed in various editions in the century following his death, and by the early eighteenth century his reputation as the greatest poet ever to write in English was well established.
The Tempest is Shakespeare's last play. It is often classified as a "romance" and has elements of tragedy and comedy. Like many other plays, the play is a revenge play, but the conclusion Prospero comes to is that revenge isn't worth a fig. The wise man will turn from revenge, forgive the trespasser, and save himself (and others) from tragedy.
The Tempest takes place in a green world. Like the forest in Midsummer, on the island anything can happen. Like Marlowe's Dr. Faustus or Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, it is filled with surprises, special effects, and magic. Some of its comedy comes from commedia dell'arte, but other than stage business, the play seems to be a very personal "farewell to the stage" -- since it was Shakespeare's last production. It captures such historical works as A Discovery of the Barmudas (1610), A True Declaration of the Estate of the Colonie in Virginia (1610), among other pamphlets and the popular topic of the day as England explores America. This is Shakespeare's opinion, some critics say, about what the Bard thought about colonization and America. It is often seen as an allegory, a farewell, a revenge comedy, a romance. It is the culmination of Shakespeare's skill and stands out as one of his best plays.
Further information on the Tempest can be found here.
And info from the Folger library here.
Shakespeare's Life
Shakespeare's Theatre
Drama majors (and other interested students): It behooves you to learn about Shakespeare's theater, his life, and information about the Folger Library (a good source to carry with you to college). Please check out these links and take notes on the subject. By reading and taking notes on academic material, we are reinforcing learning. Later in your life this trivia and knowledge may translate into being well-read, self-confident, and interesting. The skills you learn now translate into practice for upper level post secondary education (college) and post-graduate work.
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