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Војводе Степе 82

Матурски рад из Енглеског језика

William Shakespeare

Mentor: Student:
Name Surname, prof Марко Алексић IV3

Београд, 2023/2024 година

 Страна
1. Introduction..............................................................................................................................3
2. The title of the first chapter.....................................................................................................4
2.1. Subtitle of the first chapter...............................................................................................4
2.2. Second subtitle of the first chapter....................................................................................5
3. The title of the second chapter................................................................................................6
3.1. First subtitle of the second chapter..................................................................................6
3.2. Second subtitle of the second chapter.............................................................................7
4 Third chapter............................................................................................................................8
4.1. Subtitle of the third chapter..............................................................................................9
5. Conclusion.............................................................................................................................10
Attachment................................................................................................................................11
Attachment 1.........................................................................................................................11
Literature...................................................................................................................................12
 William Shakespeare Марко Алексић IV3

1. Introduction

William Shakespeare, often referred to as "The Bard," is an enduring figure in the world of literature,
renowned for his profound impact on English drama and poetry. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April
1564, Shakespeare's life unfolded against the backdrop of the Elizabethan era, a period marked by
cultural and intellectual flourishing. His works, characterized by their eloquence, depth, and timeless
themes, have transcended the centuries, ensuring his legacy as one of the greatest playwrights and poets
in history.
Shakespeare's contributions to the literary canon encompass an extensive array of plays, sonnets, and
poems, each a testament to his unparalleled mastery of language and understanding of the human
condition. While the details of his personal life remain partially shrouded in mystery, his artistic genius
continues to captivate audiences worldwide. This introduction delves into the life, works, and enduring
influence of William Shakespeare, exploring the man behind the words and the enduring legacy that has
shaped the landscape of literature for over four centuries.

In the annals of literature, few names resonate as profoundly as that of William Shakespeare. Often
hailed as the "Bard of Avon," he stands as a towering figure in the world of drama and poetry, casting an
enduring shadow over the landscape of English literature. Born in the quaint market town of Stratford-
upon-Avon in April 1564, Shakespeare's life unfolded during the Elizabethan era, a period marked by
both cultural renaissance and political intrigue. His works, a testament to his unparalleled genius, have
transcended the confines of time, solidifying his place as one of the greatest playwrights and poets in the
history of the written word.

The details of Shakespeare's early life are somewhat elusive, adding an air of mystery to his biography.
He was the third child of John Shakespeare, a prosperous glove maker and alderman, and Mary Arden,
the daughter of a prosperous landowning farmer. Little is known about his formal education, but it is
widely accepted that he attended the King Edward VI Grammar School in Stratford, where he would
have received a classical education steeped in Latin literature – an influence that would echo in his own
works.

Shakespeare's journey into the world of theater is believed to have commenced in the late 1580s. His
involvement with the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a theatrical company, marked the beginning of a prolific
career in the London theater scene. The Globe Theatre, constructed in 1599, became the primary venue
for many of his plays, and the success of the company led to the construction of the Blackfriars Theatre,
providing year-round performances for both the common folk and the aristocracy.

The literary landscape of Shakespeare's time was rife with experimentation, and he embraced this spirit
with unparalleled vigor. His plays spanned a remarkable breadth of genres – from tragedies like
"Hamlet" and "Macbeth" to comedies like "Twelfth Night" and "Much Ado About Nothing." His
historical plays, including the compelling "Henry IV" and "Richard III," offered nuanced explorations of
power, politics, and human nature.

Yet, it is not merely the diversity of genres that distinguishes Shakespeare; it is the extraordinary depth
and insight with which he delved into the human psyche. His characters, from the star-crossed lovers of
"Romeo and Juliet" to the complex and introspective Hamlet, have become archetypes that resonate
across cultures and epochs. Shakespeare's ability to capture the complexity of human emotions and his
profound observations on the human condition have allowed his works to remain not only relevant but
timeless.

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Shakespeare's poetic prowess extended beyond the realm of drama. His collection of 154 sonnets,
exploring themes of love, time, and mortality, stand as a testament to the enduring power of the written
word. These sonnets, published in 1609, showcase his mastery of the English language and his ability to
weave together intricate webs of meaning with unparalleled grace.

While Shakespeare's literary legacy is unparalleled, the man himself remains a figure of intrigue. The
absence of extensive biographical information has fueled countless debates and speculations about his
personal life, including his marriage to Anne Hathaway and the so-called "Lost Years" in the late 16th
century. Despite these uncertainties, the corpus of his work stands as a testament to the universality of
the human experience and the enduring power of storytelling.

As we embark on a journey to explore the life and works of William Shakespeare, it becomes clear that
his impact is not confined to a specific time or place. Instead, his words continue to reverberate through
the corridors of literary history, inviting readers and audiences to engage with the complexities of the
human soul and the timeless themes that unite us all. This exploration of Shakespeare's life and works
seeks to unravel the enigma of the Bard and delve into the inexhaustible reservoir of creativity that
continues to captivate hearts and minds across the globe.

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2. Early life

The earliest known reference to William Shakespeare appears in the parish register for Holy Trinity
Church in an entry for Christian ceremony called baptism on April 26, 1564. The entry reads
“Guilielmus filius Johannes Shakspere,” or, in English, "William, son of John Shakespeare." Next to
the entry, three "X"s added by a later hand highlight its significance. Although dated 1564, the entry, and
all other entries before September 16, 1600, are in the hand of a professional scribe who transferred them
from an earlier register that no longer survives, in compliance with a 1598 regulation that parish
authorities should acquire new parchment registers and copy all existing entries into it. It is said that it
was miscopied “Johannis” as “Johannes” or copied a mistake made by the original scribe.

The exact day of Shakespeare’s birth we may never know. According to “The Book of Common
Prayer (1559)”, it was recommended that infants should be baptized on the next Sunday or holy day
following their birth, to allow the greatest number of people to witness the sacrament. In “times of
necessity,” it was also permissible for infants to be baptized at home. This advice does not seem to have
been much heeded in Stratford. Many baptisms, including Shakespeare's on Wednesday, April 26, did
not take place on a Sunday or on a recognized holy day.

Some evidence concerning Shakespeare’s birthday can be deduced from the inscription on his funeral
monument, which states that he died on April 23, 1616, in the 53rd year of his age—“obiit anno domini
1616 Aetatis 53 die 23 Aprilis”—that is, he was 52, having entered his 53rd year. If he had been born
after April 23, he would therefore still have been in his 52nd year at the time of his death. However, to
have been in his 53rd year, he must have been born no later than April 23. He could, of course, have
been born prior to April 23, and some scholars suggest April 21 or 22.

Taking the parish register and funeral monument evidence into account, Shakespeare’s birthday is
traditionally celebrated on April 23, three days prior to his baptism. William Oldys, an 18th-century
antiquary, first proposed the date, and George Steevens adopted it in his 1773 edition of Shakespeare's
works, The plays of William Shakespeare

Shakespeare was born just three months before a plague outbreak. “Hic incepit pestis,” or “Here began
the plague” is written in the register next to the entry for the Oliver Gunne’s burial on June 11, 1564.
More than 200 inhabitants of Stratford-upon-Avon, one seventh of the town’s population, were buried in
the second half of 1564. Of course, not all recorded deaths were due to plague, but of nearly 250 burials
by the end of the year, the majority (over 130) were of children or young people, the most vulnerable to
plague. Of the remainder, there were around ten more women than men. Shakespeare’s parents had lost
their two first children already. With plague rampant throughout the town, it must have been an
unnerving time for them.

Picture 1

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2.1. Marriage

William Shakespeare's marriage to Anne Hathaway is a well-known aspect of his personal life, though it
remains shrouded in some mystery. The details are based on historical records, but some aspects remain
speculative due to the limited information available.

William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years his senior, in 1582. At the time of
their marriage, Shakespeare was 18 years old, while Anne was 26. Their union was somewhat
unconventional for the time, given the age difference, but such age gaps were not uncommon in the
Elizabethan era.

Anne Hathaway hailed from a nearby village called Shottery. The exact circumstances of their courtship
and the reasons for their marriage are not entirely clear. One intriguing aspect is the speed with which
they married – the wedding took place in November 1582, and by May of the following year, Anne gave
birth to their first child, Susanna. This has led to speculation about whether Anne was already pregnant at
the time of their marriage, a situation that may have prompted the hurried nuptials.

The couple went on to have twins, Hamnet and Judith, born in 1585. Tragically, Hamnet died at the age
of 11. The surviving twin, Judith, went on to marry and have children, but Shakespeare's direct
descendants did not continue the family line.

After the birth of their children, there is a notable gap in the records, often referred to as the "Lost
Years." This period, from 1585 to around 1592, lacks detailed information about Shakespeare's life,
leading to much speculation and mystery. Some theories suggest that he might have been working as an
actor or pursuing his theatrical career in London during this time.

Shakespeare's marriage to Anne Hathaway has been a subject of interest and debate among scholars and
biographers. The lack of personal writings or detailed records from Shakespeare himself has contributed
to the mystery surrounding this period of his life. Despite the gaps in our knowledge, it is clear that Anne
Hathaway played a significant role in Shakespeare's life, as evidenced by his bequest to her in his will.
In his will, drafted in 1616, Shakespeare famously left his "second-best bed" to Anne Hathaway. The
significance of this bequest has been the subject of interpretation and speculation. Some view it as a
personal and intimate gesture, suggesting that the second-best bed was likely their marital bed, while
others argue that it might have been a customary practice to leave the bed to the surviving spouse.
While the details of Shakespeare's marriage to Anne Hathaway may remain partially obscured, their
union undoubtedly left an indelible mark on his life. The complexities of his personal relationships, like
the characters in his plays, add layers of intrigue to our understanding of the man behind the literary
legacy.

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2.2. Shakespeare’s first alluded as playwright in Greene’s Groats-worth of Wit

The first known allusion to William Shakespeare as a playwright appears in "Greene's Groats-worth of
Wit, bought with a Million of Repentance," a pamphlet written by the playwright Robert Greene. The
pamphlet was published posthumously in 1592, a few weeks after Greene's death.

In this work, Greene criticizes an up-and-coming playwright, referred to as "an upstart crow," without
explicitly naming Shakespeare. However, it's widely believed that Greene was targeting Shakespeare, as
some of the language used in the pamphlet is thought to allude to Shakespeare's theatrical success.
Greene's remarks include a warning to other playwrights to beware of the competition from this "Shake-
scene."

The relevant passage from Greene's Groats-worth of Wit reads as follows:

"...for there is an upstart Crow, beautified with our feathers, that with his Tygers heart wrapt in a Players
hyde, supposes he is as well able to bombast out a blanke verse as the best of you: and being an absolute
Johannes fac totum, is in his owne conceit the onely Shake-scene in a countrey."

While the term "Shake-scene" is a clear play on Shakespeare's name, it's essential to note that despite
Greene's criticism, he does acknowledge Shakespeare's talent and success. This allusion is interesting not
only for its historical significance but also because it provides an early glimpse into the competitive
world of Elizabethan playwrights and the rise of William Shakespeare as a prominent figure in the
London theater scene.

2.3 Shakespeare’s first printed poem “Venus and Adonis”

Shakespeare's first printed poem is indeed "Venus and Adonis," a narrative poem that was published in
1593. It is important to note that this work is a poem rather than a play, marking the beginning of
Shakespeare's venture into the realm of printed literature.

"Venus and Adonis" was dedicated to Henry Wriothesley, the Earl of Southampton, who was one of
Shakespeare's patrons. The poem is a retelling of the classical myth of Venus, the goddess of love, and
Adonis, a handsome young mortal. In Shakespeare's rendition, Venus unsuccessfully attempts to seduce
Adonis, who is more interested in hunting than in love. The poem explores themes of desire, beauty, and
the transient nature of life.

The publication of "Venus and Adonis" was a significant moment in Shakespeare's career, showcasing
his skill with language and narrative. The poem was well-received and went through multiple editions,
contributing to Shakespeare's growing reputation as a literary figure. The success of "Venus and Adonis"
paved the way for the publication of his later narrative poem, "The Rape of Lucrece," in 1594.

These early publications in the 1590s demonstrate Shakespeare's versatility as a writer, as he navigated
both the world of drama in the theaters of London and the world of printed literature, appealing to a
broader audience beyond the confines of the stage. The publication of these poems marked the beginning
of Shakespeare's lasting impact on English literature, laying the foundation for the rich body of work that
would follow in the subsequent years.

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2.3 Shakespeare’s first printed poem “Venus and Adonis”

While "Titus Andronicus" is one of William Shakespeare's early plays, it was not his first printed play.
The first printed play by Shakespeare is generally considered to be "Henry VI, Part Two," which was
published in 1594. The title page of the quarto edition of "Henry VI, Part Two" attributes the play to
William Shakespeare.

"Titus Andronicus" was likely written earlier, around 1590-1591, and it was published in quarto form in
1594. This revenge tragedy is one of Shakespeare's early works and is known for its intense violence and
brutality. The publication of "Titus Andronicus" was followed by the printing of several other plays,
contributing to the growing reputation of William Shakespeare as a playwright during the Elizabethan
era.

It's important to note that the exact chronology of Shakespeare's plays and their publications is not
always definitive, and scholars may have different opinions on the precise order of composition and
printing. However, "Henry VI, Part Two" is generally recognized as the first printed play attributed to
William Shakespeare.
"Titus Andronicus" is one of Shakespeare's earliest tragedies and is distinct for its highly sensational and
violent nature. Written in the early years of his career, this play is thought to be a collaboration with
another playwright, possibly George Peele.

The storyline revolves around the Roman general Titus Andronicus, who returns victorious from a war
against the Goths. The narrative takes a dark turn when Titus, driven by a sense of duty and honor,
becomes entangled in a cycle of revenge and retribution with Tamora, Queen of the Goths. The play
explores themes of revenge, justice, and the consequences of unchecked violence.

While "Titus Andronicus" is not as frequently performed or studied as some of Shakespeare's later
works, it holds a unique place in his canon. The play's extreme violence, including mutilation, rape, and
cannibalism, has led to both fascination and discomfort among audiences and scholars. Some critics
attribute the play's brutal nature to the influence of the popular revenge tragedies of the time.

Despite its initial mixed critical reception, "Titus Andronicus" has gained renewed interest in recent
years for its exploration of human cruelty and the impact of violence on both individuals and society. It
provides insights into Shakespeare's early experimentation with dramatic genres and themes, paving the
way for the more mature and complex tragedies that would come later in his career.

The publication of "Titus Andronicus" in 1594 marked a significant step in Shakespeare's ascent as a
playwright. It contributed to the establishment of his name in the competitive world of Elizabethan
theater and set the stage for the prolific career that would follow. As Shakespeare's works continued to
evolve, his exploration of tragedy, comedy, and history would shape the theatrical landscape of his time
and resonate across centuries.

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3. Shakespeare’s father, John Shakespeare, is granted coat of arms;

Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet dies

3.1. John Shakespeare’s Coat of Arms

John Shakespeare, William Shakespeare's father, was granted a coat of arms by the College of Heralds in
1596. This honor was a recognition of the family's social standing and achievements. The coat of arms
included a gold shield with a silver spear and a falcon holding a spear. The motto associated with the
coat of arms was "Non Sans Droit," which means "Not Without Right."

3.2.

Hamnet Shakespeare, the twin brother of Judith Shakespeare, was born in 1585. Unfortunately, he died
at the age of 11 in 1596. The exact cause of his death is not known, and it remains a poignant and tragic
event in the life of the Shakespeare family. The similarity between the names Hamnet and Hamlet, the
title of one of Shakespeare's famous plays, has led to much speculation and discussion among scholars.

3.3. Impact on Shakesspeare’s Works

The death of Hamnet is often considered to have had a profound impact on William Shakespeare. Some
scholars suggest that it may have influenced the themes of mortality and grief in some of his later works.
However, it's essential to note that while there are references to the pain of losing a child in some of
Shakespeare's plays, the direct connection between his personal experiences and the specific details of
his works remains a matter of interpretation.

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Second subtitle of the second chapter

Текст

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4. Shakespeare purchases New Place in Stratford-upon-Avon

In 1597, William Shakespeare purchased New Place, a substantial residence in Stratford-upon-Avon.

This property was one of the largest houses in the town at that time. The purchase of New Place marked
a significant milestone in Shakespeare's life and career, reflecting his growing success as a playwright
and businessman.
New Place became the family home for Shakespeare, his wife Anne Hathaway, and their children. The
house underwent various renovations and improvements, and it served as the family's primary residence
for the remainder of Shakespeare's life. The property also included gardens, orchards, and additional
land.
Shakespeare's acquisition of New Place is indicative of his prosperity and status within Stratford-upon-
Avon. The playwright continued to achieve success in the theatrical world, and his financial investments,
including real estate, contributed to his overall wealth. New Place remained in the Shakespeare family
until it was eventually demolished in the 18th century. Today, a garden on the site commemorates the
location where Shakespeare once lived.

1. Architectural Features: New Place was a substantial property with impressive architectural
features. It had ten fireplaces, five gables, and an inner courtyard. The house reflected
Shakespeare's rising social and economic status, showcasing his success as a playwright and
businessman.

2. Community Involvement: As a prominent figure in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare was

actively involved in local affairs. His ownership of New Place and his success in the London
theater scene elevated his standing in the community. He held various positions, including that
of a town council member.

3. Wealth and Business Ventures: In addition to his income from the theater, Shakespeare
invested in various business ventures. His financial success allowed him to acquire valuable
properties, including New Place. This diversification of investments contributed to his overall
wealth and stability.

4. Connection to Stratford's History: New Place had historical significance even before
Shakespeare's ownership. It was built in the 1480s by Sir Hugh Clopton, a wealthy merchant.
Shakespeare's purchase added to the historical legacy of the property, making it an iconic
residence in the town.

5. Literary Connections: While living at New Place, Shakespeare continued to write and
contribute to the literary world. It is believed that he wrote some of his later plays while residing
in Stratford-upon-Avon. The house may have served as a place of inspiration and creativity for
the renowned playwright.

6. Legacy and Commemoration: After New Place was demolished in the 18th century, the site
underwent archaeological investigations. Today, the site features a garden that commemorates
Shakespeare's former residence. Visitors can explore the gardens and learn more about
Shakespeare's life in Stratford-upon-Avon
7. The purchase of New Place stands as a testament to Shakespeare's success, both as a playwright
and a member of the Stratford community. It remains an important part of his legacy, and the site
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continues to attract visitors interested in the life and times of the Bard.

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4.1. Поднаслов трећег поглавља

Текст

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5. ЗАКЉУЧАК

Текст

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ПРИЛОГ

Прилог 1

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