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The FAQs were written by frequent Shakespeare Queries and
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FAQs". Some answers were written by each author, so the "I" in
one answer may not be the same as the "I" in another answer.
All website addresses in these FAQs were functioning as of August 8, 2002.
What editions of the plays do you recommend? What books will help me understand Shakespeare's
plays, their language, and their historical background? Who wrote the great plays and sonnets? What do we know about Shakespeare’s life? When was Shakespeare born? Where was Shakespeare born? Who were Shakespeare’s parents? Did Shakespeare have any brothers and sisters? Did Shakespeare go to school? What did he
study? Did Shakespeare get married? Did Shakespeare have any more children? What happened after the twins were born? Was he a success? What were Shakespeare's theater-related
activities? How did Shakespeare die? What is the bit about the "second-best
bed?" Where is Shakespeare buried? Was Shakespeare straight or gay? What is Shakespeare's impact on the modern
world? With what theaters and acting companies
was Shakespeare primarily involved? What was the Globe theater and its audience
like? What was Blackfriar's theater and its audience
like? How were sound, lightning, and other theatrical
effects achieved in Elizabethan theater? Describe Elizabethan theatrical sets and
costumes. How long was a play performance? Are there any stories and legends about
Shakespeare and his theater? "Tragedy" - what is it? "Comedy" - what is it? What is "iambic pentameter"?
What is "blank verse"? When does Shakespeare use verse and when
does he use prose? What are Folios and Quartos? "Sonnets": how can I enjoy and
understand them? Othello: what is his race and color? Does
it matter? Desdemona: is her weakness partly responsible
for her death? Macbeth and Lady Macbeth: who is more guilty
of the murders? Who was the third murderer in the killing
of Banquo? Macbeth : what is its relationship
to Scottish history?What is the relationship between Macbeth
and events in Shakespeare’s time? Hamlet: was the Prince sane or mad? Hamlet: what is the meaning of his "To
be or not to be" soliloquy? A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Romeo
And Juliet": How are these plays related? Where can I find and how do I select a monologue
for an audition or class recitation? Can you give me any tips on how to audition
for a Shakespeare role? Where can I find information about the Elizabethan
Age (English Renaissance) - its food, clothing, music and customs? Should I cite the FAQs
Copyright © 2002 Dana Spradley, Publisher, for shakespeare.com