Shakespeare Quiz

Shakespeare's profession during his lifetime

A popular actor and playwright, not considered an artist.

Place of Shakespeare's birth

Stratford-upon-Avon, in April 1564.

Shakespeare's father's profession

A glover and a magistrate who eventually became the mayor of Stratford.

Shakespeare's notable marriage

He married Anne Hathaway in 1582, who was six years his senior.

Reason Shakespeare's marriage may have been unhappy

William and Anne Shakespeare lived apart most of their lives.

Key characteristic of London in the 1590s

A rapidly growing city, bursting with intellectual and cultural stimulation.

The first English playhouse built by James Burbage

The Theatre, built in 1576.

The innovative feature of Burbage's theatre

A large open-air theatre that could accommodate the penny public.

The groundlings

Audience members who stood in the open area in front of the stage.

Shakespeare's link to the Globe Theatre

Shakespeare helped finance the Globe Theatre, which replaced The Theatre.

Role of actors in Shakespeare's time

Actors worked in companies under the patronage of noblemen, and all roles were played by males.

The nature of Shakespeare's plays

They appealed to a broad audience, incorporating popular elements like murder and jokes.

Shakespeare's audiences

Primarily the 'penny knaves' of London, as well as the nobility, including Queen Elizabeth.

Reasons for the theatre's challenges in the 16th century

Criticism from City Fathers, denouncement by Puritans, and closures due to the Black Death.

Shakespeare's wealth and status upon his return to Stratford

He became part of the landed gentry after investing in property.

Shakespeare's burial place

In Stratford, 1616, under a marble monument with a verse he wrote himself.

The lasting legacy of Shakespeare

His works were collected and preserved in the First Folio by friends and fellow actors.

When did Shakespeare have children

Six months after marriage with Anne Hathaway, in 1583; a daughter, Susanna, along with Hamnet and Judith.