Shakespeare in the Classroom - Follow Along Worksheet

Which of the following are five facts known about Shakespeare?

• Christened in Stratford-upon-Avon April 26, 1564; Married to Ann Hathaway November 27, 1582; Daughter Susanna christened May 26, 1583; Twins, Hamnet and Judith christened Feb. 2, 1585; Name first appears in print in 1592

• Born in London in 1564; Married to Elizabeth I; Son named William christened May 26, 1583; Twins, John and Mary christened Feb. 2, 1585; Name first appears in print in 1600

• Christened in Stratford-upon-Avon April 26, 1564; Married to Mary Arden November 27, 1582; Daughter Judith christened May 26, 1583; Twins, Hamnet and Susanna christened Feb. 2, 1585; Name first appears in print in 1592

• Born in Stratford-upon-Avon April 26, 1564; Married to Ann Hathaway November 27, 1582; Daughter Susanna christened May 26, 1583; Twins, Hamnet and Judith christened Feb. 2, 1585; Name first appears in print in 1600

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CCSS.RI.11-12.10

CCSS.RI.6.10

CCSS.RI.7.10

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

What are two examples of what Shakespeare wrote about that makes his work seem contemporary, or modern?

• Power and Passion

• Love and Technology

• Science and Exploration

• Peace and Friendship

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CCSS.RL.9-10.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

Why would theaters regularly be closed down?

• The Plague

• Financial difficulties

• Renovation work

• Weather conditions

Attending plays was a common denominator between the contrasting classes because:

• Rich and poor could attend and be equal as audience members

• Only the rich could afford to attend plays

• Plays were exclusive to the poor

• Attending plays was considered a privilege for royalty

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CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Performances were held in the afternoons because:

• There was no lighting, they needed daylight – even if it rained

• It was more convenient for actors

• Tickets were cheaper in the afternoon

• The audience preferred afternoon shows

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CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

Instead of elaborate sets, what did theaters rely on for 'scenery'?

• Playwright’s use of words, characters, colorful actors, etc.

• Painted backdrops and props

• Advanced lighting and sound effects

• Digital projections and screens

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CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10. RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

The costumes of the actors were so elegant because:

• They were typically hand-me-downs from the upper-class and needed to be different from everyday dress.

• They were made from simple fabrics to save money.

• They were designed to look like everyday clothing.

• They were borrowed from the audience members.

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CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

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

• purple

• gold

• red

• blue

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CCSS.RI.11-12.3

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Theater in Shakespeare’s time was like modern show business because theaters competed for the best playwrights, actors, and ticket sales.

• Theaters competed for the best playwrights, actors, and ticket sales.

• Theaters only performed for royalty and nobility.

• Theaters were open only during the summer months.

• Theaters used elaborate special effects and technology.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10. RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.3

Why didn’t city officials like the theaters?

• Because they believed theaters attracted undesirables, disturbed workers, and spread plague.

• Because theaters were too expensive to maintain.

• Because theaters did not generate enough revenue for the city.

• Because theaters were located far from the city center.

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CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2