Post on 24-Dec-2015
The English Renaissance
Kings, Queens, and Drama
The Beginnings of an Awakening
Renaissance in England happened much later than in ItalyDue to: Hundred Years’ War
Ended 1453England vs. France
War of the Roses (ended 1485)Lancaster family vs. York familyTudor family is accepted as ruler by both
Early Tudor Kings
King Henry VII Built up trade Brought peace
King Henry VIII Encouraged art,
literature, music, leisure Broke away from
Catholic Church, started Anglican Church (so he could divorce his wives)
Queen Elizabeth
Crowned in 1588Well-traveled and well-educated English Renaissance peaked during her reignMany nobles write poetryFolk musicNobles copy Italian styles, mannersTheater becomes popular
“I have already joined myself in marriage to a husband, namely the kingdom of England.” (Elizabeth to Parliament)
William Shakespeare(1558-1616)
One of the best known English playwrights
Revived Greek comedies and tragedies
Some plays dealt with ancient Roman subjects; many took place in Italy
Shakespeare’s theater
Globe Theater, London
Open air… plays in afternoon
Theater was built in round shape
Simple props and costumes
All male actors
All social classes attended plays; poorer people stood in front
The Globe, reconstructed in London today. The original burned down.
Inside today’s Globe theater. Architects have kept the interior as authentic as possible.
Diagram of Globe Theater setup
Shakespeare’s contributions
38 plays, including Macbeth, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet
Poetry and sonnets
Developed iambic pentameter
Popularized theater to nobles and commoners alike
Shakespeare’s contributions: words and
phrases“I’ll not budge an inch.” (from Taming of the Shrew)
“on purpose” (from Comedy of Errors)
“good riddance” (from Trolius and Cressida)
“for goodness’ sake” (from Henry VIII)
Shakespeare’s contributions: words and
phrasesInvented over 3,000 (!) English words including:bedroomgloomyswagger unrealdawn lovely
SourcesHuman Heritage by Mariam Gleenblatt and Peter Lemmo.Globe Theater online, www.shakespeares-globe.org http://shakespeare.about.com/library/weekly/aa042400a.htmWilliam Shakespeare: Master Playwright. (Calliope World History Series)