History
Was the missing piece of Richard II missing out of the Quarto or the Folio?
Quarto
What is it called when Shakespeare changes historic events in his plays?
Poet's Liberty
Why are Shakespeare’s historical plays important for understanding political power?
They explore themes of leadership, power struggles, and the nature of kingship.
This class was considered 'middle class' in Elizabethan England, often owning land but not having titles or nobility.
Yeomanry
What is a Shakespearean History play?
Shakespearean histories are a genre of plays that dramatize historical events, primarily focusing on the political and military history of England.
Who examined all of the plays before production?
Master of Revels
Why does Shakespeare change the age between Prince Hal and Hotspur?
To present the two young men as same-age rivals.
What moral and ethical themes are commonly explored in Shakespeare's history plays?
The nature of power and consequence of action
Commoners in Shakespeare's history plays provide humor and a perspective on society, showing how their lives are shaped by this group’s actions
Upper Class
NO! They are plays created for entertainment and only loosely follow actual history.
Who did Shakespeare co-write Richard II with?
Thomas More
Why does he change historical events in his plays?
To make his plays more theatrical and complex, while also avoiding censorship.
How did Shakespeare influence modern literature and entertainment through his historical plays?
Created dramatized versions of history
The poorest class in Elizabethan society, primarily composed of farmers and laborers, often struggled for survival.
Poor/Peasants
Which two plays are we reading for class?
-Richard III
-Henry IV
What event was censored in Richard II?
May Day Riots
In many of Shakespeare's history plays, commoners provide this vital element, often contrasting with the serious ambitions and intrigues of the upper classes
Humor
Why can we learn more about Shakespeares own time period than the one in which the story is set?
Shakespeare's histories often reflect the political and social tensions of the Elizabethan era. In his plays he explores contemporary issues and reveals the anxieties and values of his own society.
While the Yeomanry held some influence, this class had significantly more power and wealth due to their land ownership and titles, often serving as knights or squires.
Gentry
-Historical Figures: Kings, Queens, and important figures of European history
-Time and Place: Medieval European History (Hundred Years War)
-Political Themes: Power, legitimacy, succession, governance, and the complexities of leadership.