First activity: Year 9 Research

You will be researching a variety of topics surrounding the life and work of William Shakespeare.  You will be working in groups of three to research and present one section of your information.  You may wish to work together or simply divide the tasks and/or topics among you, but you will be receiving a mark based on the work of the group as a whole.

You may present your information using any app you wish. Be creative! Please present your information in your own words, and do not simply cut and paste .

If you are unsure of any task, please be sure to seek clarification, either from your group or from me.

Good luck and have fun!

1. Shakespeare’s plays

 

Shakespeare wrote a great many plays, all of which fall into one of three categories: histories, comedies or tragedies.
Your task is to:

1. Examine the features of a typical Shakespearian history, tragedy and comedy.  Present what you have found out about each one along with a few titles of each. (e.g. “Macbeth” is a tragedy)
2. Explain how one of Shakespeare’s plays, such as Romeo and Juliet,meets the criteria of one of the above categories.
3. Write a summary which explores which types of play you would find the most enjoyable and explain why.

 

2. The Language of Shakespeare

 

Although it is over 400 years old, the language of Shakespeare is still very much appreciated today because it is filled with passion,  imagery, symbols and poetic verse.  This may seem awkward at best;  incomprehensible at worst!  But don’t worry: with a little close reading and analysis, you WILL understand it, and, best of all, never forget it!
Your task is to 

1. Research information on the language of Shakespeare and present what you have found.
2. Create an open-ended question which explores what you would like to find out about Shakespeare’s language and present your findings.
3. Write a summary about what it will be like to read or hear a Shakespeare play.

 

3. The Globe Theatre

 

The Globe Theatre was where many of Shakespeare’s plays were originally staged.  
Your task is to:

1. Research the seating, layout and other features of the Globe theatre and present what you have found.
2. Identify the differences between the Globe and other modern theatres.
3. Explain how seeing a Shakespeare play at the Globe would be different to seeing one in a modern theatre.

 

4. The Great Chain of Being

 

The Great Chain of Being was a concept that influenced the thoughts and minds of people in England during Shakespeare’s time.  It had great influence on many of Shakespeare’s plays.  
Your task is to:

1. Research information which explains what the Great Chain of Being is and present what you have found.
2. Write a summary which explains what you think of this concept.

 

5. The Divine Right of Kings

The Divine Right of Kings was a theory that dominated the thoughts and minds of people in England during Shakespeare's time. It had great influence on many of Shakespeare's plays.

Your task is to:

1)Research information about the The Divine Right of Kings and present what you found.

2) Write a summary on how you think The Divine Right of Kinds influenced Shakespeare's plays.