44. Shakespeare and His Time

Flashcards covering the life and works of William Shakespeare, the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods, and Shakespeare's contributions to English literature and language.

William Shakespeare

Considered by many the greatest dramatist of all time, known for his universal characters and themes, contributions to the English language, and clever critiques of society.

Elizabethan Age

A prolific epoch for the arts and culture where many artists flourished.

Interculturality and Multilingualism

Essential parts of the process of language learning, emphasized by current legislation.

Organic Law 3/2020 LOMLOE, December 29

Current legislation that the teaching of a foreign language must be based on the basic knowledge of communication, multilingualism and interculturality

House of Tudor

Ruled England throughout the sixteenth century, starting in 1485 with Henry VII.

Elizabeth I

Known as “the Virgin Queen”, inherited the throne in 1558. Succeeded by her cousin James Stuart, James VI of Scotland.

Christopher Marlowe

Considered Shakespeare’s most important predecessor in drama.

Jacobean Period

The reign of King James I of England, lasted from 1603 to 1625, is known for its cultural achievements in literature, particularly in the form of plays and poetry.

King James Version of the Bible

Commissioned by King James I and completed in 1611.

Shakespearean Sonnet

Consists of three four-line stanzas and a final rhymed couplet.Commonly written in iambic pentameter

Ben Jonson

Popularised the comedy of humours (“Every Man in His Humour,” or “The Fox”) during the Jacobean period.

Public Playhouses

Outdoor theaters in London, like 'The Theater' built in 1566.

Private Playhouses

Indoor theaters for wealthier audiences, offering seats, roofing, music, and lighting.

The Globe

Playhouse where many of Shakespeare's plays were first performed.

Bard of Avon

William Shakespeare's nickname, an English poet, dramatist, and actor born in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Lord Chamberlain's Men/King's Men

Theater company of which Shakespeare was a member, serving as principal comedian and tragedian.

First Folio

First published edition of a collection of 36 plays of Shakespeare in 1623.

Shakespearean Comedies

Plays that are not based on a recent historical figure of his time and that have a happy ending. Chiefly about women.

Shakespearean Tragedies

Explore themes of power, jealousy, betrayal, and the human condition, and often have a tragic ending. Typically mixture of prose and verse.

Shakespearean Histories

Plays that depict the political and military conflicts of the past and the rise and fall of kings and queens.

Shakespeare's Sonnets

Collection of 154 poems that explore themes such as love, beauty, time, and mortality.

Iambic Pentameter

A metrical line of 10 syllables consisting of 5 iambs (two-syllable meter), commonly used in Shakespeare's plays and sonnets.