William Shakespeare - A Life of Drama

When was Shakespeare born?

April 23rd, 1554

What is the name of his hometown?

Stratford-on-Avon

Name his parents.

John and Mary Shakespeare

What are "the lost years?

From the time he left Stratford to the time he left in London

What is his wife's name?

Anne Hathaway

Name his children.

Hamnet
Judith
Susanna

What year is Shakespeare described as being "established as a playwright?

1592

What is the name of Shakespeare's patron?

Green

To what two people are the sonnets written?

Venus and to the Earl of South Hampton

How many plays did Shakespeare write?

37 plays

How many years did his career in London span?

20 years long

What forced the London theaters to close?

The plague that killed many people

What great tragedy occurred in Shakespeare's life?

Shakespeare's family was stricken with grief - Shakespeare's son Hamlet died at 11 years old

Of what playhouse was Shakespeare part owner?

The Globe

Name the first play performed at the Globe.

Julius Caesar

What part did Shakespeare play in the performance of Hamlet?

The ghost of Hamlet's father

Shakespeare referred to himself not as a playwright or an actor, but as a what?

poet

Who became King of England

following the death of Elizabeth I?, 1603: King James first became the King of England

What name did Shakespeare's acting company adopt?

The Lord Chamberlain's Men

Name four of the "great" tragedies.

Othello"
"King Lear"
"Hamlet"
"Macbeth

What is the date of Shakespeare's death. How old was he?

April 23rd, 1662
52 years old

What is unusual about his death?

It was on his birthday

Name the two men who compiled the first collection of Shakespeare's play called The First Folio.

Ben Johnson
John Hemmings

What did Shakespeare leave to his wife in his will?

Henry Condell - the second best bed