William Shakespeare is possibly the most recognizable and renowned writer in
Western literature. His work merits a genre of its own, which is best
understood after learning background information about the Elizabethan era.
Part 1: Webquest
Each group will be assigned a topic; groups will find information about the
topic by exploring websites. Each topic has several questions to help guide
your research, but you should plan to include additional information if it is
relevant.
There is plentiful information available from scholars, renaissance re-
enactors, and hobbyists. In discovering the facts about the Bard and his
life and times, you will need to evaluate the sources of the information and
select the most essential, accurate, and interesting facts.
Part 2: Group research responses
Integrate your group’s research into one handout (with correct citation, of
course!) You may choose to create a brochure, flyer, or other handout. Your
handout must include pictures related to your topic.
Be sure to include in-text citation with your answers as well as a correctly
formatted Works Cited page.
*You may use Easybib.com to help format your Works Cited. Open Easybib.com in
an additional tab or window so you do not have to close the page you are
researching.
Part 3: Group presentation
Your group will teach the information you found to your classmates. You must
provide a copy of your handout AND discuss the information in a
presentation.
Your goal is to improve your peers’ understanding of the historical context
of Romeo and Juliet. Your presentation should share the most interesting and
relevant facts in a lively, natural way. You are expected to enhance your
written responses with your oral presentation, not simply read the facts.
At the conclusion of your group’s presentation, you will open a dialogue with
your classmates to compare and contrast aspects of Shakespeare’s life and
times with those of modern writers and current society.
Getting Started -- Choose a Group Task
Group #1: Who was the man William Shakespeare? What was his life like? What
is he known for? What mystery surrounds his identity?
Group #2: What was life in Elizabethan England like? What was the social
ranking? Describe the jobs, pastimes/recreation, education, and religion.
Group # 3: What was the music of the Elizabethan era like? What was
Elizabethan language like? What was the fashion of Elizabethan England?
Group #4: How has Shakespeare influenced life today? What famous quotes are
attributed to him? From what plays are these quotes? Give examples of modern
or contemporary films based on Shakespeare's work? What modern words did
Shakespeare invent?
Group #5: What was the Globe theater? What other playhouses were popular at
the time? What was the layout? Cost? lighting? hosting a play? acting
companies? favorite actors? Is the Globe used today?
Questions adapted from Ms. Tinkham - Garfield School
