Title: Shakespeare's Biography
Course: Romeo and Juliet Sample Unit

Were you absent on the day of the video? Or have you misplaced your video biography worksheet notes? Never fear. The heart of the information is here.

Were you absent on the day of the video? Or have you misplaced your video biography worksheet notes? Never fear. The heart of the information is here.

Visit the following links to answer these questions about Shakespeare's life and works.

The Literature Network: http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/

Absolute Shakespeare: http://absoluteshakespeare.com/trivia/biography/shakespeare_biography.htm

The Questions
1) Name few of the pertinent background facts about Shakespeare's life before he became a playwright (birthdate, wife, children, parents, education):

2) The world was facing one major problem at the time of his birth and throughout his life (Hint: It was exacerbated by rats and bad hygiene practices). What was it? How did it affect his plays and his potential income?

3) Which of his children died and why was that a particularly difficult circumstance during this time period (Hint: inheritance laws, etc.)?

4) Where did he perform? How did he set his scenes? What was this theater like? What political challenges did theaters face at that time? What happened to the theater Shakespeare partly owned (the one pictured on the front page of the course)?

5) What event marked the end of his writing/acting career? When did he die? Who was responsible for saving and publishing his plays after his death?