"I maynotbe a lion,but I ama lion'scub,and I have a lion'sheart"
Elizabeth I
Introduction:
To fully appreciate Shakespeare’s works, it is important to learn about his life and the time period in which his works were written. This assignment requires students to investigate life during the Elizabethan England (16thCentury). The investigation will enable you understand the people, the places and the events during the Shakespearean era and, in effect, provide you with a deeper appreciation of the Shakespearean play, RomeoandJuliet. This assignment will also help you understand how society influences literature.
As you navigate through the websites provided below, the questions included under each heading will only serve as guides. You will need to determine other significant topics to share with your classmates. See the list below.
Task:
Each student has been already assigned to a group. Each group will investigate a specific topic and will do a presentation to teach the rest of the class about the topic researched (during the scheduled presentation time for their act). Be creative in your presentation format (handout, visual, multimedia, role play, etc)
Question: What was the Spanish Armada? How many ships were involved? What year did the battle take place? Why did the catholic church support this mission? What was the class system at the time?
The Spanish Armada. http://www.britainexpress.com/History/tudor/armada.htm
BBC History. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/tudors/adams_armada_01.shtml
Catholic Encyclopedia: The Spanish Armada.
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01727c.htm
ACT 2
Religion:
Question: Describe the religious climate during this time. What was the main religion at the time? What were some of the changes (reformation) that took place in religion at the time?
Question: Describe the marriage and courtship customs of this time period. What were some of the engagement customs? The wedding expectations? The laws?
Betrothal & Marriage http://www.elizabethan.org/compendium/9.htm
Love & Marriage http://www.elizabethan.org/compendium/10.html