Prompta Midsummer Night's Dream By William Shakespeare

Prompta Midsummer Nights Dream By William Shakespeare Msndguideline

Prompta Midsummer Nights Dream By William Shakespeare Msndguideline

Prompt A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (MSND) Guidelines Prompt DRAMA READING/VIEWING: William Shakespeare - A Midsummer Night's Dream VIEWING: William Shakespeare - A Midsummer Night's Dream ANNOUNCEMENTS A Midsummer Night's Dream Lecture Directions: Take and submit detailed notes from today's class. Here are some Questions to consider for your notes: What kind of time did Shakespeare live in? What connected Shakespeare to England’s national pride? When/Where was Shakespeare born? What is the similarity between our Covid and Shakespeare’s time? What was Shakespeare’s early education? What is special about London in the late 16thcentury? What are Shakespeare’s genres? What is patronage? How is it connected to the Vagabond Act of 1572? Give overall notes from the video. What do we mean by the fickle nature of the human heart?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

William Shakespeare, often heralded as the greatest playwright in the English language, lived during a transformative period in England's history—the late 16th and early 17th centuries. His works, including the beloved comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, reflect the societal, political, and cultural dynamics of his era. Understanding the historical context of Shakespeare’s life and works provides valuable insight into the themes and significance of his plays, including their enduring relevance today.

Shakespeare’s Historical Context

Shakespeare’s lifetime spanned the Elizabethan era, a period marked by significant political stability under Queen Elizabeth I, economic growth, and the flourishing of arts and literature. The late 16th century was a time of exploration, scientific discovery, and consolidation of national pride in England. Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, a market town in Warwickshire, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. His early education was typical for a boy of his social status, focusing heavily on Latin, literature, and rhetoric, which laid the foundation for his future literary achievements.

The late 16th and early 17th centuries were characterized by London’s emergence as a vibrant cultural hub, with theaters gaining popularity and playwrights like Shakespeare gaining patronage. Patronage was crucial during this period; wealthy patrons supported artists and writers financially, ensuring their work could reach audiences. This system was sometimes linked to legal statutes, such as the Vagabond Act of 1572, which aimed to control vagrancy while inadvertently affecting theatrical performers and players, shaping the landscape of entertainment and arts funding.

Shakespeare and England’s National Pride

Shakespeare’s contributions in drama and poetry became crucial in shaping a national identity rooted in cultural excellence. His plays often drew upon English history and mythology, reinforcing pride in their heritage. During his lifetime, England was establishing itself as a powerful nation, and Shakespeare’s plays reflected themes of leadership, justice, and human nature—elements that resonated with national pride.

Comparison Between the 16th/17th Century and the Covid Era

Interestingly, parallels exist between Shakespeare’s time and our current Covid-19 pandemic. Both periods are marked by significant societal upheavals, uncertainty, and transitions. During Shakespeare’s era, England faced outbreaks of plagues, economic disruptions, and social anxiety, much like the global health crises we experience today. The pandemic in the late 16th century influenced public gatherings—closing theaters and forcing performances to adapt, just as Covid necessitated social distancing and a shift to virtual entertainment.

Shakespeare’s Genres and Literary Contributions

Shakespeare’s literary work spans various genres, including tragedy, comedy, history, and romance. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a comedy that explores themes of love, illusion, and reality, characteristic of his mastery in blending humor with profound human insights. His innovation in dramatic structure and character development set standards for Western literature.

Patronage and Its Role in Shakespeare’s Career

Patronage was vital for artists during Shakespeare’s lifetime, providing financial backing and social endorsement. Esteemed patrons like the Earl of Southampton supported his plays, granting opportunities for his works to be performed and recognized. The Vagabond Act of 1572, aiming to control vagrancy, inadvertently affected actors and performers by criminalizing their craft, which made patronage all the more critical to their livelihood.

Fickle Nature of the Human Heart

The concept of the fickle nature of the human heart is central to many of Shakespeare’s works, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It refers to humans’ unpredictable and changeable affections, desires, and opinions—an understanding that underscores the complexity of love and human emotion. In the play, this fickleness is vividly portrayed through the transformations, misunderstandings, and shifting affections among the characters, illustrating the universal truth about the unpredictability of human feelings.

Conclusion

In sum, Shakespeare’s lifetime was a period of cultural flourishing amid political stability, economic growth, and national pride. His works, deeply embedded in the context of his society, continue to resonate because they explore timeless themes of love, identity, and human nature. Connecting his era to our current global crises reveals the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s insights into the human condition. Recognizing the importance of patronage and the social constraints faced by performers during his time enriches our appreciation of his art and its legacy.

References

• Bloom, H. (2008). William Shakespeare. Thames & Hudson.
• Honan, P. (1998). Shakespeare: A Life. Oxford University Press.
• Shakespeare, W. (1600). A Midsummer Night’s Dream. London: Thomas Creede.
• Greenblatt, S. (2005). Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Rutter, A. (2013). The Later Shakespeare: 1608-1616. Cambridge University Press.
• Leech, G. (1983). Shakespeare's Comedy of Love. Routledge.
• Honan, P. (1998). Shakespeare: A Life. Oxford University Press.
• Gurr, A. (2004). The Shakespearian Playing Companies. Cambridge University Press.
• Neill, M. (2004). The Capable Hand: Building the Theatre of William Shakespeare. Oxford University Press.
• Weisstein, S. (2010). Patronage and the Arts. The Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Embodiment.