SH+P4+2016+William+Shakespeare

William Shakespeare

Aim: Ashley Shakespeare never stated his true purpose of writing, but many of his reasons can be implied. Shakespeare's purpose of writing was to warn the royal families of the downfall of corrupt rulers. An article explains,“Richard II, Henry VI (parts 1, 2 and 3) and Henry V dramatize the destructive results of weak or corrupt rulers, and have been interpreted by drama historians as Shakespeare's way of justifying the origins of the Tudor Dynasty” (A&E Networks). Many of Shakespeare’s drama indicate terrible leadership from rulers who become “weak or corrupt.” Shakespeare shows tyrant kings and their downfall as a warning to the kings of England and how becoming corrupt could lead to theirs. He would express his feelings about the kings through his plays. The purpose of his writings would often tell the kings indirectly his beliefs. He would often show his audience the need for a strong leader and the downfall of a tyrant leader. Works Cited

Biography.com Editors. "William Shakespeare Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2016.

Historical: Emma Carruth William Shakespeare was an incredible poet and playwright. One of Shakespeare’s biographies explains “ Known throughout the world, the works of William Shakespeare have been performed in countless hamlets, villages, cities and metropolises for more than 400 years” (A&E Television Networks). Unfortunately very few records exist of his childhood and even less of his education. Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway when he was eighteen and a few months later they were greeted with twins, Hamnet and Judith. There is evidence that Shakespeare was earning a living as an actor in London by 1592. This definitely influenced his works because it lead him to write plays of his own and have them produced. Shakespeare soon became a partner in the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, which was an acting company in London. He based many of his works on people he had met or learned about previously. For example, Julius Caesar is said to be based on a true story about the Ancient Roman leader Julius Caesar. William shakespeare was innovative in his writing style and his word choice which led him to become widely popular and celebrated throughout history.

Works Cited Biography.com Editors "William Shakespeare Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 05 Jan. 2016.

Audience: Bailey



Many of the people who attended the plays and works of William Shakespeare were poor, or of lower class. The people were considered “Groundlings,” they stood in the pit or area on the ground in front of the stage. They would spend an entire day of pay to view these events, however were a nice way to relax and entertain oneself. Amanda Mabillard informs “Shakespeare's audience was far more boisterous than are patrons of the theatre today. They were loud and hot-tempered and as interested in the happenings off stage as on” (Mabillard). Because most of the attendants were not wealthy, they were often times ill mannered and of poor taste. Generally the upper did not mix with the lower classes. However, the upper class could attend as well, they would spend a significant amount of money and be seated in covered galleries. Though the people may have been divided in class, they were all there for the same thing - Shakespeare's work.

Work Cited Mabillard, Amanda. “Shakespeare's Audience: The Groundlings.” Shakespeare Online. Shakespeare Online.15 May 2014. Web. 06 Jan. 2016

Cultural Context (Jacob)

With the cultural advances in the last five-hundred years, the analysis of Shakespeare’s writing may be slewed or confused, or even considered strange. Bio explains, “Today, his plays are highly popular and constantly studied and reinterpreted in performances with diverse cultural and political contexts. The genius of Shakespeare's characters and plots are that they present real human beings in a wide range of emotions and conflicts that transcend their origins in Elizabethan England” (Biology.com Editors). With the introduction of new cultures, one example being gang culture, showing in a modern rendition of Romeo and Juliet, there can be new ways to see Shakespeare’s work. The emotions, although maybe changed slightly, are still common throughout current life. That is where confusion may lie; where people do not understand the connection to current life through shakespeare. He persuades an audience to feel the emotions of the characters; the malice of Lady Macbeth in her early stages; the witches and their mischievous acts. The thoughts and emotions of the characters can connect to the thoughts and emotions of real people, which enthralls all audiences.

Work Cited Biography.com Editors. "William Shakespeare." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2016.