Macbeth

Macbeth

• Researching the context in the era of Shakespeare

The Life of William Shakespeare

• William Shakespeare was supposedly born 23rd April 1564. He was baptized 26th April; however as there is much unknown about Shakespeare's life, we can only assume that (as he lived under the reign of Elizabeth I) that he was protestant. He studied at Stratford Grammar School - which offered free education. Young William's education consisted mostly of Latin studies; which was learning to read, write and speak the language (much like languages learnt in schools today) along with studying the classical historians, moralists and poets. Instead of continuing his education at university, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway at 18 years of age.
• Shakespeare died 23rd April 1616 (Yes, on his birthday...) shortly followed by his wife in 1623, this means that Shakespeare died at the age of 53, this is 28.60 years early than the expected man in the UK today, but 13.30 years longer than the expected man in the 16th century.

His Plays and Performances

• Although it was unclear when Shakespeare began his work in performing and play writing, it is safe to say that Shakespeare's career really took off in 1594 when he became one of the members of Lord Chamberlain's company of players (also known as the Kings Player's.) This was a theatrical group who toured England. They toured every year in the autumn and summers to perform in theaters around England. They performed in 'the Theater' in Shoreditch which was owned by a member's (Richard Burbage) father.
• A few of