Untitled Flashcard Set

  1. Who were the two monarchs who reigned during Shakespeare's career?

  • Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603)
      - The last monarch of the Tudor dynasty, her reign is often referred to as the Elizabethan Era, a period marked by English cultural flourishing, exploration, and the arts.

  • King James I (1603-1625)
      - The first monarch of the Stuart dynasty, who succeeded Elizabeth I. His reign witnessed the continued popularity of Shakespeare's works and the eventual shift in cultural focus, culminating in the commissioning of the King James Bible.

Shakespeare’s career spans the end of Elizabeth’s reign and the beginning of James’s, showcasing a transitional period in English theatre and society as theater gained recognition as a legitimate art form.

  1. Which war launched the Tudors into power? Why was Henry VIII so desperate to have a son? Who were his daughters? What was Mary's nickname? Why?

  • The Tudors came to power after the Wars of the Roses, a series of dynastic conflicts between the houses of Lancaster and York (1455-1487).

  • Henry VIII was desperate to have a son because:
      - He needed a male heir to secure the Tudor dynasty against potential rivals.
      - He wanted to avoid another civil war that could arise from a lack of clear succession, as seen in the Wars of the Roses.

His daughters:

  • Mary I (1553-1558)
      - Known for her attempt to restore Catholicism in England, her reign was marked by the persecution of Protestants. Her nickname was "Bloody Mary" due to the executions of Protestant reformers.

  • Elizabeth I (1558-1603)
      - Became one of England’s most famous monarchs, known for the Elizabethan period's cultural and political achievements.

  1. Under what circumstances did Elizabeth become the queen? What was the Spanish Armada? How was it defeated? Who led the English ships for Elizabeth? What was his strategy?

How Elizabeth became queen:

  • Mary I died without an heir in 1558, leading to Elizabeth inheriting the throne and marking the beginning of the Elizabethan Era, known for significant advancements in English culture.

Spanish Armada:

  • A massive fleet sent by Spain in 1588 with the aim to invade England and overthrow Elizabeth, who was seen as a threat to Catholicism.

How it was defeated:

  • The defeat was attributed to skilled English naval tactics, the smaller and faster English ships, and adverse weather conditions, often referred to as the “Protestant Wind.”

Leader of English ships:

  • Sir Francis Drake, a key figure in the naval battle who employed innovative tactics including fire ships to disrupt the Spanish formations.

  1. Where was William Shakespeare born and raised? Whom did he marry? What was the original name of his theater troupe? What did they change their name to after James became the king?

  • Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564 to a well-to-do family, Shakespeare's upbringing shaped his understanding of the social and economic conditions of the time.

  • Married Anne Hathaway in 1582; they had three children. Their marriage was somewhat controversial due to the age difference and the circumstances of their first child being born just a few months later.

Theater troupe names:

  • Originally: Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a highly regarded acting company during the Elizabethan era, performing works at court and public venues.

  • After James I: They changed their name to The King’s Men, reflecting their patronage under the new king and gaining royal favor.

  1. Why did Henry VIII break from the Catholic Church?

  • Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church when Pope Clement VII refused to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, which he sought in hopes of remarrying to secure a male heir. His desire for a marriage annulment led to a significant religious shift in England.

  • Result: He established the Church of England, making himself the Supreme Head, thus initiating the English Reformation which significantly influenced the religious landscape.

  1. What did James I have to do in order to become the king?

  • James VI of Scotland became the king of England after Elizabeth I died in 1603 without an heir. He united the crowns of England and Scotland, marking the beginning of the Stuart dynasty in England, which brought its unique influences on politics, religion, and culture.

  1. List: Shakespeare's four greatest tragedies and his festive comedies. Be able to name a couple of Shakespeare's other tragedies and comedies.

Four greatest tragedies

  • Hamlet: Explores themes of revenge and madness as a young prince faces the moral complexities of avenging his father’s death.

  • Macbeth: A story of ambition and the psychological effects of guilt, illustrating how power can lead to one's downfall.

  • King Lear: A tragedy of family and authority, examining the nature of loyalty and betrayal as Lear divides his kingdom between his daughters.

  • Othello: Centers on jealousy and manipulation, reflecting on race, love, and betrayal within a marriage.

Festive comedies

  • Twelfth Night: A comedic tale of mistaken identities, love, and playful trickery.

  • Much Ado About Nothing: Focuses on wit and romance, with intricate plots around love and deception.

Other examples

  • Tragedies: Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar, both embodying the intensity of love and ambition.

  • Comedies: The Taming of the Shrew and The Merchant of Venice, both reflecting societal norms and human interactions of the time.

  1. Why was Twelfth Night written? What is the relationship between Carnival and Twelfth Night?

  • Written to celebrate the Twelfth Night festival, marking the conclusion of the Christmas season, filled with merriment and revelry.

Connection to Carnival:

  • Both festivities involve:
      - Role reversal: Breaking social norms and expectations.
      - Disguises: Characters often assume false identities, emphasizing themes of mistaken identity.
      - Chaos/social mixing: The blending of social classes and the creation of an environment where rules are temporarily suspended.

  • The play reflects this “world turned upside down” energy, challenging social norms and exploring human behavior in a festive context.

  1. Know the plots, themes, and characters of all four Shakespeare plays we've read: Hamlet, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, and Much Ado About Nothing.

Hamlet

  • Plot: The young Prince Hamlet seeks revenge for his father’s murder at the hands of his uncle, who has claimed both the throne and his mother. The play delves into themes of madness, revenge, and existentialism.

  • Themes: Revenge, madness, indecision, mortality, and the complexity of action.

  • Key characters: Hamlet, Claudius (the antagonist), Gertrude (his mother), Ophelia (his love interest, who faces her own tragic fate).

Macbeth

  • Plot: Macbeth, motivated by prophecy and ambition, commits regicide to become king, leading to his eventual downfall through guilt and paranoia.

  • Themes: Ambition, guilt, fate vs free will, and the corrupting power of unchecked ambition.

  • Key characters: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth (his ambitious spouse), Banquo (his friend who is murdered).

Twelfth Night

  • Plot: Viola, shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother, disguises herself as a man, leading to a tangled love web that explores themes of identity and love.

  • Themes: Identity, love, gender roles, and the folly of desire.

  • Key characters: Viola, Orsino (in love with Olivia), Olivia (who falls for Viola in disguise), Malvolio (a steward with ambitions).

Much Ado About Nothing

  • Plot: The play centers around two romantic pairs: a dramatic couple (Hero and Claudio) and a witty one (Beatrice and Benedick), intertwining themes of honor and deception.

  • Themes: Love, deception, honor, and gender roles in relationships.

  • Key characters: Beatrice, Benedick, Hero, Claudio, Don John (the antagonist stirring trouble).

  1. How does Shakespeare combine dramatic, Italianate characters in Much Ado with the English-type characters in the play?

Shakespeare blends:

Italian-style (dramatic, emotional):

  • Claudio & Hero are quick to love, but their relationship is fraught with jealousy and driven by the need for social reputation and honor.

English-style (realistic, witty):

  • Beatrice & Benedick engage in witty banter, showcasing skepticism toward love and valuing friendship and equality.

Why this matters:

  • This contrast creates a rich tapestry of interpersonal dynamics, illustrating the idealized romance versus realistic relationships, showcasing varying perspectives on love and human behavior.

Overall, Shakespeare’s works reflect the intricate social dynamics of his time while exploring universal themes that continue to resonate today.