Shakespeare's Life
In what year was William Shakespeare born?
1564
About how many plays did Shakespeare write?
Approximately 39
How many sonnets did Shakespeare write?
154
Why are Shakespeare’s plays still relatable today?
They deal with universal themes
What festive season does the title Twelfth Night refer to?
The Christmas season
In which English town was Shakespeare born?
Stratford-upon-Avon
Which category of plays includes Hamlet and Macbeth?
Tragedies
What themes are commonly explored in Shakespeare’s sonnets?
Love, time, beauty, and mortality
Name one universal theme found in Twelfth Night.
Love/jealousy/family/identity
What date marks Twelfth Night?
The evening of January 5th
Which two historical eras did Shakespeare live in?
The Elizabethan and Jacobean eras
Which types of Shakespeare’s plays are lighthearted and often end in marriage?
Comedies
What is the name of the rhyme scheme Shakespeare popularized?
The Shakespearean Sonnet
Why are Shakespeare’s works easy to adapt to modern settings?
The themes and characters are timeless
What religious event does Twelfth Night celebrate?
The visit of the Magi to baby Jesus
In which city did Shakespeare move to develop his theatre career?
London
Name the category of plays that dramatize the lives of English kings.
Histories
About how many words and phrases is Shakespeare credited with inventing or popularizing?
Over 1,700
What has helped keep Shakespeare’s work well-known over time?
Being taught in schools
What social changes happened during Twelfth Night celebrations?
Normal social rules were temporarily suspended
What was the name of Shakespeare’s original playing company?
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men
What are Shakespeare’s later plays like The Tempest called?
Romances
Name one word used by Shakespeare that we still use today.
Eyeball / swagger / bedroom / gossip / lonely / lackluster / skim milk
How are Shakespeare’s characters described?
Realistic, emotional
How do the characters in Twelfth Night reflect the festival?
They represent festive behavior, disguise, and social role reversal