Shakespearean Literature Background Questions

Shakespearean Literature Name:__________________
Global Literature: Europe Unit
1. What was the Renaissance (the Rebirth), when did it start, and why did it start?








2. How did the Renaissance give rise to great literature?







2. What was humanism? How would Shakespearean plays have fit into this idea?




3. Who were some great artists working during Shakespeare’s time? What did they create? List at least four and give some background.

a.

b.

c.

d.



4. How was “the spread of ideas” in Europe connected to Guttenberg’s invention? What did it achieve?





5.What was the Globe theatre and what were some interesting things about the structure? What were some interesting things that happened there?



6. How did religion in England change during the time Shakespeare was alive?





7. How were boys and girls treated differently in Elizabethan England? Give specific examples.
Boys-



Girls-




8. Invent a fictional neighbor for Shakespeare. What would their life have been like?
Employment-



Standard of living-


Home-


Family-


Recreational activities-




10. Who was Queen Elizabeth? What was she like? How was she different than other rulers?





11. How did all these factors and events at this time affect and reflect your literary movement?