William Shakespeare

1564-1616

APPROACHING THE WRITER

VIDEO
Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest and most prolific writers of all
time. And he is also one of the most studied and researched. It is estimated
that about 4,000 new works are written about Shakespeare every year.
FLIPPED CLASSROOM

His works are the most performed and quoted, in every language and yet
almost nothing is known about Shakespeare the person. Not even exactly
what he looked like as the only three existing images of him cannot be
authenticated. The only facts we know for certain are:
• He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon.
• He married Anne Hathaway and had three children.
• He left his family and went to London.
William Shakespeare and
Stratford-upon-Avon • In London he became an actor and playwright.
Watch the video about • He returned to Stratford and died there.
William Shakespeare and
Stratford-upon-Avon. He produced over a million words of text but we only have a few words
written in his own handwriting – his signatures. And yet he is responsible
for the English language as we know it today, having shaped, moulded and
invented many of the words and expressions we use every day. It is said he
introduced 2,000 words into the English language, inventing a word to suit
his needs. Here are just some expressions found in Shakespeare’s works
which we still use today. Can you think of Italian equivalents?

MAIN WORKS • When we can’t think of anything to say:

• Romeo and Juliet (1595) English = to be tongue tied Italian =
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream • When something/someone can’t be found:
(1595) English = She/he/it has vanished into thin air. Italian =
• Julius Caesar (1599) • When something is difficult to understand:
• Hamlet (1600-01) English = It’s all Greek to me. Italian =
• Macbeth (1605-07) • When someone or something is really ugly:
English = She/he/it is an eyesore. Italian =
• Sonnets (published in 1609)

Anonymus, Parade of Shakespeare’s Characters, c. 1840. Oil on canvas.

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 The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
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Shakespeare’s bust, Verona.

W illiam Shakespeare left behind a legacy of 39 plays and 154 sonnets

and is considered one of the greatest of all playwrights, but very
little is known of Shakespeare the person. Although he made a good
In 2014 in France another
edition of the First Folio
was discovered in a library
living from his plays he was not concerned about their publication and where it had been lying for
could never have imagined the resounding success they would have in over 200 years. It is thought
the coming centuries. This was mainly thanks to his two friends and that there were originally
colleagues, John Heminge and Henry Condell, who, after his death, 800 copies printed but now
collected and published his plays into one volume in 1623, known as the only 230 exist in the world.
First Folio. It included 36 plays, 16 of which had never been printed before. Although several pages are
missing from the beginning
As far as his life is concerned we know, from public documents, that he of the book, including the
was born into a fairly wealthy family in the small town of Stratford-upon- title page, it is still said to
Avon in Warwickshire. His father was a prosperous trader and respected be one of the most valuable
member of the community, becoming mayor of Stratford. books in the world.
We also know that in November 1582, at the age of 18, he married Anne
Hathaway (eight years his senior) and that they had three children.
There then followed a period, from 1585 to 1592, known as ‘the lost years’
in which we know nothing of his movements until he is mentioned in
a pamphlet by a London playwright, Robert Greene. This is proof that
Shakespeare was certainly in London by 1592 and had begun to establish
1 Complete.
himself as an actor and playwright.
Shakespeare remained in London for the next 20 years working as an actor 1 Number of plays written
by Shakespeare:
but mainly as a playwright, returning to Stratford occasionally to see his
2 Number of sonnets:
wife and family. His plays brought him enough wealth and popularity
to buy a house and some land in Stratford, where he retired in 1611 and 3 The friends who published
his work after his death:
died in 1616. 2014 marked the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth
and this event was celebrated throughout the world with an increase in
4 Name of first collection
performances of his work.
of plays published:

Shakespeare’s genius 5 Age when Shakespeare

Shakespeare is outstanding in the history of the theatre for many reasons. married:
First and foremost is his unique use of language. Writing at a time 6 Dates of ‘the lost years’:
when the English language was still evolving and developing, Shakespeare
brilliantly moulded this language to meet his every need. If he could not 7 First known date when
find a word which expressed exactly what he wanted to say he would he was in London:
simply invent one. Over 2,000 words in the English language were 8 Presumed number of years
introduced by Shakespeare and hundreds of idiomatic expressions we still spent in London:
use today derive from Shakespeare’s plays. 9 Date of his death:

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William Shakespeare

Performance of Julius Caesar

at the Globe Theatre, London.

2 Answer. Shakespeare’s language, though, was not only poetic and full of imagery
1 Why can Shakespeare be but also technically perfect. As an artist uses his brush, Shakespeare
considered outstanding in created scenes and emotions with words, making them come alive for
the history of the theatre? the audience in a theatre which had no props or special effects.
(Give at least three reasons.) Beyond his language we can find another form of Shakespeare’s genius
2 Why can he also be regarded and that is his profound understanding of human nature and the
as a modern day thinker? immutable characteristics of mankind that are valid in every culture and
every age. In his plays and sonnets he explored every conceivable human
3 Answer true or false. expression and feeling: ambition and anger in Macbeth, pride in The
Taming of the Shrew, prejudice in The Merchant of Venice, revenge in Hamlet,
1 The Elizabethan
period was not a
tenderness in Romeo and Juliet, jealousy in Othello, passion in Antony and
success for English Cleopatra, betrayal in King Lear. Everything is there and we can all identify
drama. T F ourselves with one or many of Shakespeare’s characters. If we also add
2 Plays became more
to this his psychological analysis of the human soul we can see how
religious in content. T F he can be regarded as a modern-day thinker and how all his works have
an ‘ever-green’, timeless quality.
3 Professional theatres
were used for the
first time. T F Shakespeare’s career
4 The theatre provided The Elizabethan Renaissance is known as the ‘golden age’ of English
the most popular form literature and drama and it is especially remarkable for the quality and
of entertainment. T F quantity of works produced during that period. English drama went
5 Shakespeare always through a real revolution thanks to the ‘university wits’, Marlowe, Lyly
wrote original works. T F and Kyd. Plays moved away from their predominantly religious themes
and abandoned their rigid rhyme schemes which meant that both subject
matter and language could become more flexible and varied giving writers
a lot more freedom. Add to this the fact that for the first time plays were
being performed in professional theatres. It became clear that the moment
was ripe or, to use a theatrical term, the ‘stage was set’, for new writers who
could produce work quickly as this new form of popular entertainment took
over any other available in this period. This was the fertile ground which
Shakespeare found waiting for him when he arrived in London.
Shakespeare began his career by mainly rewriting old plays and then

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moved on to produce his own work, concentrating first on comedies, 4 Answer true or false.
like The Comedy of Errors (1594), or his comic masterpiece As You Like 1 Shakespeare’s first
It (1599-1600). In the 1590s he also wrote histories, Henry IV (1596-98) works were comedies. T F
and Henry V (1598-99). 2 His final plays were
There then follows a period of more sombre plays which seem to blend known as romances. T F
tragedy with comedy and for this reason are called the ‘problem plays’ 3 Shakespeare stopped
as it is difficult to allocate them to any category; plays such as Troilus and writing during the
Cressida (1602) and Measure for Measure (1603). In the 1600s we then have plague. T F
the period of Shakespeare’s great tragedies, Hamlet (1600-01), Othello (1603),
King Lear and Macbeth (both 1605-07).
In his last period Shakespeare wrote a group of plays which were entirely
different to anything he had written before: Pericles (1607-08), Cymbeline
(1609-10), The Winter’s Tale (1610-11) and The Tempest (1611-12). These plays
are often called his ‘romances’ because, once again, they do not fit into
any of the previous categories. Although these plays have happy endings
they cannot be compared to the early comedies as many of the characters
have experienced sadness and suffering and share a common theme of
reconciliation.
Shakespeare was not, however, only a playwright but also wrote
154 sonnets. Many of these were written between 1592-94, when the
London theatres had to be closed due to outbreaks of the plague. His two
long narrative poems, Venus and Adonis (1592-93) and The Rape of Lucrece A scene from The Tempest,
(1593-94) were also written in this period. by Julie Taymor.

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William Shakespeare

5 Underline the correct option. Source and structure of Shakespeare’s plays

Before the 18th century plays Many of Shakespeare’s plays were inspired by, and quite often closely
had 1two intervals / no intervals. based on, existing and published stories. This lack of originality when
After the 18th century plays were writing plays was common in Shakespeare’s time, and even seen as a more
divided into 2five acts / three acts.
professional way of working as past works guaranteed a certain mark of
There was 3no scenery / a lot of
approval.
scenery. Shakespeare used 4blank
Typically Shakespeare’s plays consist of five acts of varying lengths and
verse and prose / a variety of styles
in his plays. are introduced by a prologue. But it must be remembered that this five-
act format was brought into Shakespeare’s plays by 18th-century editors
for easier reference and not by the playwright himself. In Shakespeare’s
time plays would have been continuous, shorter than modern plays and
without any interruptions. As there were few props, there were no scene
changes. The audience had only the language to rely on or the Chorus to
tell them of changes in time and place. It was this lack of props and special
effects which led to the creation of some of the most beautiful language

TRENDS IN THE THEATRE OVER THE AGES

Middle Ages 1300s-1400s Miracle and morality plays. Miracle

plays were religious, telling stories from the Bible, such as the
Creation, the Nativity and the Resurrection. They were performed
in the church or churchyards. In the 12th and 13th centuries they
became more elaborate and were performed in the streets by 1600s Jacobean
trade guilds, especially during the main religious festivities (p. 38). drama, during
Morality plays developed in the 15th century. No longer based the reign of James I,
on religious themes, morality, plays dealt with man’s battle saw a revival of
to be good and resist temptation. They were often symbolic the classics with
and allegorical and always taught a moral. The most famous Ben Jonson as
of these was Everyman, which was written in 1485. the best example.

1300 1400 1500 1600

1500s Revival of classical drama in the mid-16th century, Late 1500s By the late 16th century the arts and
as a result of the Renaissance in Europe. Seneca’s nine especially the theatre in England were flourishing,
tragedies and the comedies of Plautus were translated into due to patronage from Queen Elizabeth I. The first
English. Historical plays, also known as chronicles, were permanent theatre was built in 1576, called ‘The
also popular at this time. Raphael Holinshed’s Chronicles, Theatre’ and actors became professional. Fixed
published in 1577, were often later used by Shakespeare theatre groups were established and the plays
as a base for many of his great plays. Christopher themselves became more complicated. The clash
Marlowe’s plays, especially Doctor Faustus (1604), between the monarchy, which loved the theatre,
showed a clear break with the medieval morality and the Puritan civic authorities was solved by moving
plays (man was always reconciled with God in theatres in London to the opposite side of the river,
the end) and the new mind of the Renaissance outside the jurisdiction of the council. The most
thinker (man rejects God for knowledge). famous theatre of the time was the one managed
by Shakespeare, The Globe.

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ever written. Shakespeare’s plays also consisted of a combination of a great
variety of styles: blank verse, prose, solemn speeches, songs, music and
even dances.
OVER TO YOU

1 Answer the following questions.

1 In the theatre of this time there were few special effects and props. What did the audience have to rely on?
2 Apart from plays what else did Shakespeare write?

2 COMPETENCE In pairs research on the Web and find out and answer.
1 How many films and TV productions have been based on
Shakespeare’s work?
2 Which play has the most productions?
3 Write the names of any reproductions you have seen.

1648-1760s Theatres closed or pulled

down by the Puritans and their strict
laws, who saw them as immoral. When
they reopened in the 1660s they had a 1900-1950s No major new trends in British theatre. George Bernard Shaw
strong light-hearted and decadent theme continued to produce plays and poets, W.B. Yeats and T.S. Eliot (Unit. 6)
expressed in the Comedy of Manners, of created verse plays. Yeats aimed at reviving the Irish theatre with his
which William Congreve (p. 207) was one Irish National Theatre Society, fusing realism with a poetic form. The
of the best representatives. No longer USA produced significant works with a strong social and moral impact.
a popular form of entertainment for all, Playwrights such as Arthur Miller (Unit 7), Tennessee Williams (Unit 7)
mainly created for the upper classes. In and Eugene O’Neill all focused on individuals and their struggles in life.
this period women began to act on stage. Major contribution from European drama in this period. With great names
The second half of the 18th century was such as: Henrik Ibsen (Norway), August Strindberg (Sweden), Bertolt
predominantly the age of the novel. Brecht (Germany), Luigi Pirandello (Italy), Anton Chekhov (Russia).

1700 1800 1900 2000

1760-1837 The theatre 1950s Theatre of the absurd. Representing

became less popular. the absurd and meaningless purpose of man’s
Closet dramas were mainly existence. Anti-conventional in staging, structure
performed, written in verse and dialogue. Situations presented were both
and not usually staged. humorous and tragic. Alienation, solitude and
Poetry and prose were the desperation are the main themes. Irish dramatist
dominant literary forms. Samuel Beckett (Unit 7) is seen as the founder.
Harold Pinter and Tom Stoppard (Unit 7) were
the main representatives in English drama.
The ‘kitchen-sink’ dramas of the 1950s gave a
1837-1900s Theatres had become more elaborate in stage voice to working class playwrights, who presented
design, scenery and costumes and were once again popular with their working class environments and the political
all city dwellers but there was mainly a revival of Shakespeare. injustices of the period. John Osborne (Unit 7)
Only two great playwrights stand out, Oscar Wilde (Unit 5) and and Arnold Wesker were the main representatives
George Bernard Shaw (Unit 5). Shaw revolutionised the theatre of what became known as ‘The Angry Young
and shocked the public with his socialist themes and criticism Men Movement’ in drama. This political vein has
of Victorian society. continued in British theatre to today.

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 William
Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet (1595)
W ritten in the earlier part of Shakespeare’s career, Romeo and Juliet
is often considered to be his first masterpiece as it already has
impressive examples of characterisation and a moving poetic language,
which will be echoed and further perfected in his later works.
The play stands out from other works of this early period as it is a tragedy
and because it focuses on the story of two young lovers instead of famous
historical figures. The only other similar tragedy by Shakespeare is
Antony and Cleopatra, written much later in 1606.

Romeo and Juliet: the plot

1 Complete. Set in Verona, Romeo, a Montague, is infatuated by a girl called Rosaline,
Romeo and Juliet is considered a Capulet. He goes to a fancy-dress party organised by Lord Capulet to see
a masterpiece because: her. Once there, however, he sees and instantly falls in love with Juliet,
• the characterisation is also a Capulet, completely forgetting Rosaline. Romeo and Juliet’s families,
1 the Montagues and Capulets, are bitter enemies and although the young
• the language is 2 couple realise everything is against them they declare their love for each
and 3 other and their desire to get married.
• it focuses on two The following afternoon they are married secretly by Friar Laurence.
4
and not However, before their wedding night, Romeo kills Juliet’s cousin in a duel,
5
figures and in the morning is forced to leave her. Friar Laurence tells Romeo to
wait in Mantua until things calm down. If he ever returns to the city,
he will be put to death.
Juliet is then told she must marry Paris, who has been chosen by her
parents, who do not know she is already married. She refuses – then agrees
because she plans to
fake her death and
escape to be with
Romeo, helped by Friar
Laurence.
She takes a sleeping
potion and appears
to be dead thus escaping
marriage to Paris. Her parents
lay her in a tomb. The Friar
writes to Romeo to tell him of
the plan but the letter never

Actress Claire Danes in the film

William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet
directed by Baz Luhrmann, 1996.

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arrives. Romeo only hears the official news from his servant that Juliet 2 Answer.
is dead so he rushes back to Verona and to the Capulet vault. He finds her Which was Shakespeare’s main
‘dead’, and kills himself. Juliet finally wakes up, finds Romeo dead, and source?
then kills herself. The tragic story is then revealed to the two families by
Friar Laurence and they begin to understand how their hatred has ruined
3 Complete.
so many young people’s lives. They finally agree to bring their feud to
‘a glooming peace...’ (una lugubre pace). Love is the main theme
of the play but it exists against
a background
Shakespeare’s source of 1 .
The Italian Masuccio Salernitano had already written a story of two tragic
Romeo and Juliet can be seen
lovers in 1475 and this was rewritten and modified later by other Italian as the 2 of this.
and French authors. In 1562 it was written for the first time in English by Shakespeare’s characters have
a poet, Arthur Brooke, The Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Juliet. It is mainly greater 3
this version, along with parts of a prose version by William Painter, and 4 and he
which Shakespeare used as the basis of his story. felt that no one is completely
5
or
The themes: love and hate
6
. The lovers’
tragic deaths, however, have
Romeo and Juliet is famous as a play about love and the possible tragic 7
consequences
consequences of its youthful passion. But this is not the only aspect of love
on the two families as they see
in the play. Through the different characters Shakespeare explores many the destructive power of their
forms of love: 8
.
• infatuation – which Romeo has at the beginning of the play for Rosaline;
• paternal love – how Juliet’s father’s good intentions try to convince her
to marry Paris;
• love in friendship – Mercutio’s love for his friend Romeo, for which
he will pay with his life;
• pure love – Romeo and Juliet’s love, which in the end
triumphs over hate.
All these different forms of love, however, exist against
a background of feudal hate which will have tragic
consequences for every relationship. It is this love/
hate relationship which gives Shakespeare’s
characters a depth and reality which previous
writers had often overlooked. Shakespeare saw
how nobody is completely pure or completely
evil. The fate of Romeo and Juliet has to be seen
as the complex consequence of everything
going on around them which is beyond their
control. It is true that they acted quickly,
secretly and against the will of their parents
but they did this because their parents were
caught up in a web of hate. It is this hate which
ultimately kills the couple. The play, however,
does not end with their deaths but with the
consequences their deaths have on those around
them.

Frontispiece of Act I of Romeo and Juliet.

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William Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet

BEFORE READING

1 Read the opening lines of the play, the ‘Prologue’, and see if you can
discover what effect Romeo and Juliet’s deaths had on the two families:
the Capulets, Juliet’s family, and the Montagues, Romeo’s family.

AUDIO CD 1 - TR 09/MP3 09 The star-cross’d lovers

Act 1, Prologue
2 Answer. CHORUS. Two households, both alike in dignity,
1 Line 1: Who are the In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
‘two households’? From ancient grudge1 break to new mutiny,
2 Line 6: ‘take their life’: Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
can you think of another way 5 From forth the fatal loins2 of these two foes3
of saying this? A pair of star-cross’d4 lovers take their life;
Whose misadventur’d piteous overthrows
3 Line 11: ‘but their children’s
Do with their death bury their parents’ strife5 .
end’: how can you substitute
The fearful passage of their death-mark’d love,
the word ‘but’?
10 And the continuance of their parents’ rage,
4 Line 12: What does ‘the two
Which, but their children’s end, naught6 could remove
hours’ traffic’ refer to?
Is now the two hours’ traffic of our stage;
5 Line 14: Who does ‘our’ The which if you with patient ears attend,
refer to? What here shall miss, our toil7 shall strive8 to mend.
15 Exit

1. grudge: rancore. 5. strife: faida.

2. loins: lombi. 6. naught: niente.
3. foes: nemici. 7. toil: lavoro.
4. star-cross’d: nati sotto stelle avverse. 8. shall strive: cercherà.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes

in the film William Shakespeare’s
Romeo + Juliet directed by Baz
Luhrmann, 1996.

126
OVER TO YOU
The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
2

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

1 From the chorus, what do we learn about the two feuding families? Choose the correct alternative.
1 Both families are
A wealthy B poor
2 They have recently
A become friends again B begun to quarrel again
3 The children from these two families
A have fallen in love B also hate each other
4 The children are destined
A to die B to live happily ever-after
5 The death of Romeo and Juliet
A reinforces the families’ feud B finally reconciles the two families

2 Now go back to the original English text and underline the words which support your choice.

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

3 The ‘Prologue’ is written in the form of a sonnet. Can you identify the rhyme scheme?

4 What type of sonnet is this?

5 What do the final lines of the sonnet (ll. 12-14) tell us about the play and what the actors hope for?

6 DISCUSSION It was quite usual for Shakespeare to outline the story in his introductory prologue.
For you, personally, does the fact that we know how the play will end:
1 make you want to read on to learn how things happened the way they did?
OR
2 reduce the element of surprise for you. You would have preferred not to have known the ending?
Discuss in class.
SUMMARY

7 Complete using the words below.

reconcile • begins • in vain • background • deaths • develop • themes • price • conflict • destined •
role • context
The chorus presents the story to the audience and how it will 1 before the play
2
. It also explains the 3 of the two families involved and their
history of hate and 4 . Romeo and Juliet’s love for each other is presented in this
5
and the speaker reveals how their love is inevitably 6 to end
in tragedy, the tragedy of their 7
. The speaker concludes by stating that the
tragedy of the play is not 8 as it forces the two feuding families to finally
9
and put their differences aside after having paid such a high 10
for them. In this short prologue all the 11 of the play are touched upon; the powers
of love, hate and the 12
of destiny in our lives.

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William Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet

AUDIO CD 1 - TR 10/MP3 10 The balcony scene

After the party Juliet is on her balcony day dreaming of Romeo.
BEFORE READING
Unaware that Romeo has managed to get into the garden and is
1 The balcony scene in Romeo
listening to her, Juliet describes her love for him.
and Juliet is one of the
most well-known scenes in Act II, Scene II
Shakespeare’s work. What
makes it so memorable? JULIET. O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?
Write down what you know Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
about it before reading. Or, if thou wilt not1 be, but sworn 2 my love,
And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.
5 ROMEO. [Aside.] Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?
JULIET. ’Tis but thy name that is my enemy.
Thou art thyself though not, a Montague.
Aside is used when a What’s Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot,
character makes a short, Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part
revealing comment to the 10 Belonging to a man. O, be some other name:
audience. The words are not What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
meant to be heard by the By any other name would smell as sweet;
other actors. So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call’d,
Retain 3 that dear perfection which he owes
15 Without that title. Romeo, doff4 thy name;
And for that name, which is not part of thee,
Take all myself.
ROMEO. I take thee at thy word.
Call me but love, and I’ll be new baptiz’d;
20 Henceforth I never will be Romeo.

2 Answer.
1 In the first part of the text 1. wilt not: will not.
who is Juliet talking to? 2. sworn: giurato.
2 What do we call this type 3. retain: mantenere.
4. doff: rinuncia.
of speech in drama?
3 Line 5: Who is Romeo
talking to?
4 Lines 8-10: Juliet says that
the name Montague
A is not his real name
B is not a physical part
of Romeo
5 Line 15: Why is the word ‘doff’
better than give up, renounce?
A It has a stronger and
almost comical sound.
B It is shorter, more
effective.
6 Line 19: ‘I’ll be new baptiz’d’:
can you paraphrase Romeo’s Romeo
words? and Juliet, 1879.

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 The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
2
JULIET. What man art thou, that, thus bescreen’d 5 in night, 3 Answer.
So stumbles on my counsel6? 1 Line 21: Can Juliet see Romeo
ROMEO. By a name at this point?
I know not how to tell thee who I am: 2 Line 28: Why is the word
25 My name, dear saint, is hateful to myself, ‘drunk’ more effective than
Because it is an enemy to thee. ‘heard’?
Had I it written, I would tear the word.
A It gives the impression
JULIET. My ears have yet not drunk a hundred words
of confusion.
Of that tongue’s uttering7, yet I know the sound:
30 Art thou not Romeo, and a Montague? B It gives the impression
ROMEO. Neither, fair maid, if either thee dislike. of total absorption.
JULIET. How cam’st thou hither8 , tell me, and wherefore? 3 Line 34: Why is this place
The orchard walls are high and hard to climb, ‘death’ for Romeo?
And the place death, considering who thou art, 4 Line 36: ‘love’s light wings’
35 If any of my kinsmen9 find thee here. is an example of which literary
ROMEO. With love’s light wings did I o’erperch10 these walls; device?
For stony limits cannot hold love out, 5 Line 45: The word ‘cloak’
And what love can do, that dares love attempt. refers to what?
Therefore thy kinsmen are no stop to me.
40 JULIET. If they do see thee, they will murther thee.
ROMEO. Alack!11 there lies more peril in thine eye
Than twenty of their swords: Look thou but sweet,
And I am proof against their enmity.
JULIET. I would not for the world they saw thee here.
45 ROMEO. I have night’s cloak 12 to hide me from their eyes;
And but thou love me, let them find me here;
My life were better ended by their hate
Than death prorogued, wanting of thy love.

5. bescreen’d: nascosto. 9. kinsmen: famiglia.

6. ‘stumbles…counsel’: invadi così 10. o’erperch: scavalcare.
i miei pensieri. 11. Alack: ahimè.
7. uttering: parole. 12. cloak: mantello.
8. hither: qui.
OVER TO YOU

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

1 Answer true or false.
1 Juliet thinks names are very important. T F
2 It is morning. T F
3 Juliet’s family allowed Romeo into the courtyard. T F
4 Juliet thinks it is dangerous for Romeo to be there. T F
5 They declare their love for each other. T F
6 Romeo is frightened of Juliet’s family. T F

2 When does Romeo decide to make his presence known?

3 Juliet knows it is Romeo who is present before she even sees him. How?

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William Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4 Why do you think Romeo eavesdrops (origlia) at the beginning of the scene instead of presenting himself
to Juliet?

5 What do you think Romeo means when he says (ll. 47-48): ‘My life were better ended by their hate / Than
death prorogued, wanting of thy love.’ Choose.
It’s better to die a victim of their hate than live without your love
It’s better to live longer and have more time to think of you.

6 From what you know about the story, in what way are these words a foreboding (un presentimento)?

7 In the extract Juliet uses the words ‘death’ and ‘murder’. Find them and say what or who they are associated
with. Choose from the following.
A Romeo’s family
B the night
C Juliet’s family

8 In this extract we can find examples of three different types of speech: dialogue, monologue and aside.
Go back through the extract and identify which lines deal with each type.
1 dialogue = lines
2 monologue = lines
3 aside = line

9 We can see that the styles of the two extracts studied are very different. In the second extract Shakespeare
uses blank verse. What effect does this have on the dialogue in your opinion? Choose.
It makes it seem more formal.
It makes it seem more natural.

10 DISCUSSION Which lines do you find the most romantic? Would you like to be spoken to in this way?
Why/Why not? Discuss in class.

11 DISCUSSION In lines 11-12 Juliet says:

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet.

implying that names are not important. Advertising companies would disagree as they spend so much time
choosing the right name for their product.
Look at the following popular brand names and discuss in groups why you think they are so successful. Look up
the actual meaning of the words on the Internet if necessary.
• Apple
• Sony
• Adidas
• Lego

130
SUMMARY
The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
2

12 Complete with the words below.

premonition • courtyard • darkness • determination • fancy dress • first sight • balcony scene • keep away •
overwhelmed • reflect • revealing • romantic • sleep • sweet • titles • warns
This extract is normally referred to as ‘the 1 ’ and has become one of the most
famous scenes in Shakespeare’s works and one of the most 2 . After meeting
at the 3
party and falling in love ‘at 4
’ both Juliet and Romeo
find they cannot stop thinking of each other. Juliet goes out onto the balcony as she can’t
5
and reflects on her love for Romeo and also the dangers of loving a Montague
but her fears are 6 by her love for him. The same applies to Romeo who could
not 7
from her home, even if it is dangerous for him to be there. Before
8
his presence to Juliet and protected by the 9 of the night,
Romeo overhears her talking about him and saying how names are only 10
we
give to things but do not 11 the actual person or object itself. Just as a rose ‘By any
other name would smell as 12 ’. On hearing these words Romeo reveals his presence
and offers to change his name if she were to call him love. Juliet then 13 Romeo of
the dangers of being in her family 14
and is frightened for him but he reiterates his
15
that nothing can keep him away saying, ‘thy kinsmen are no stop to me.’ His
final words, however, ‘My life were better ended by their hate,’ are a 16 of what lies
ahead.
REVIEW

13 Fill in the missing information about the play.

1 Name: Romeo, Surname:
2 Name: Juliet, Surname:
3 The story is set in .
4 It is one of Shakespeare’s most famous .

14 Which two works did Shakespeare use as the source of his play?

15 Complete the following sentences.

1 The ‘Prologue’ at the beginning of the play is a good example of a .
2 Romeo and Juliet died not as a consequence of their love for each other but as a consequence of

131
 LITERATURE Shakespeare and Italy
IN EUROPE

There is no evidence that Shakespeare could read Italian. What is certain

is that, among other sources, he frequently used Italy as a setting and
Italian works as source material.
In fact 13 of his plays are based or part-based in Italy: the romantic tragedy
of Romeo and Juliet in Verona, the historical play of Julius Caesar in Rome,
the jealousy drama of Othello in Venice.

Italian settings
The settings of Shakespearean plays are often more than a simple
background. In some ways they become a character in their own right and
thanks to Shakespeare their fame has increased around the world. Verona,
for example, before Romeo and Juliet, did not have the reputation it has
today as the city of romance.

Italy as a source of inspiration

Caspar van Wittel, Verona:
A View of the River Adige Shakespeare’s fascination with Italy is a constant element in his work
at San Giorgio in Braida. and this is shown not only in the setting but also in the plots, many of
which are inspired by Italian literature. This was quite normal during
the period as many writers of the 16th and 17th centuries would use
and modify works by other writers.
Some famous examples are Cymbeline, which was inspired by Boccaccio’s
Decameron; Much Ado about Nothing inspired by Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando
furioso (1516) and by Matteo Bandello’s Novelle (1554-73); Measure for Measure
and Othello ispired by Giambattista Giraldi’s Ecatommiti (1565), a collection
of 112 short stories from the second part of the 16th century.

Romeo and Juliet

Nobody knows who the original author of Romeo and Juliet was. The story
started in folklore and it was written down for the first time by the Italian
Masuccio Salernitano in 1476. The setting was not Verona, but the Siena
of the 15th century and the lovers were called Mariotto and Giannozza.
The story was then rewritten by Luigi da Porto (1485-1529) from Vicenza,
who changed the names to Romeo and Giulietta. His Giulietta e Romeo
or Historia novellamente ritrovata di due nobili amanti was set in Verona
in the 14th century and was published in 1530.
The first passage is from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the second one
from Giulietta e Romeo by Luigi da Porto.

132
 Romeo and Juliet
JULIET. How cam’st thou hither, tell me, and wherefore?
The orchard walls are high and hard to climb,
And the place death, considering who thou art,
If any of my kinsmen find thee here.
5 ROMEO. With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls;
For stony limits cannot hold love out,
And what love can do, that dares love attempt.
Therefore thy kinsmen are no stop to me.

The balcony and

Giulietta e Romeo statue of Juliet, Verona.

Onde ella conosciutolo e per nome chiamatolo, gli disse: Che fate qui a quest’ora così solo? Ed egli,
già conosciuta avendola, rispose: Quello che amor vuole. E se voi ci foste colto, disse la donna, non
potreste voi morirci di leggieri? Madonna, rispose Romeo, sì bene che io qui potrei agevolmente
morire; e ci morrò di certo una notte se voi non mi aiutate. Ma, perciocché io sono ancora in ogni altro
luogo così presso alla morte, come qui, procaccio di morir più vicino alla persona vostra ch’io possa.
OVER TO YOU

1 Read the passages a first time, then answer these questions.

1 Where are Romeo and Juliet?
2 Shakespeare writes his play in verse; what about the text by Da Porto?

2 Focus on the differences between the two texts.

1 The first great difference between the two texts regards the presence of dialogue.
In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
In Luigi Da Porto’s text
2 Is the language in Shakespeare’s play more straightforward and simple? Or more complex and imaginative?

3 Did Shakespeare maintain any expressions or words in his work or did he recreate the whole passage?
(Give examples.)
1 The orchard walls are high and hard to climb (line 2). Shakespeare adds the description of the surroundings
of the house to increase the effect of the difficulties the young man had in order to get close to Juliet.
2
3

4 DISCUSSION In the paragraph The themes: love and hate (p. 125) it is stated that:

Shakespeare saw how nobody is completely pure or completely evil.

To what extent do you agree/disagree with this statement?

Are there any people in history who you would define as either completely pure or evil? Discuss in groups.

133
IN ENGLISH Practice Tests

IELTS
FCE
READING AND USE OF ENGLISH
PART 2

Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap.

Love and Marriage from the Renaissance to Today

In 1964 the world famous pop group, The Beatles, had a great hit with their song,
Can’t Buy Me Love. The lyrics are quite simple:
‘I don’t care too much for money, cos money can’t buy me love…’.
In the Renaissance, however, 1 could, and usually did, buy, if not love,
at least a wife.
Marriage at that time was a very serious business. A 2 in which feelings,
love or even compatibility was 3 even considered. It was all about class,
and financial and political power.
Marrying out of a financial need or for security has been the case throughout 4
and it has only been in recent years that men and women could actually choose to marry a
person because of 5 . This has now become the most important reason
we have for marrying someone – yet almost 50% of all 6 in Britain end
in divorce. So, now that people don’t have to get married if they don’t want to, would it be better
to stay 7 ?
According to recent studies apparently not. Studies have shown that ‘singles’ die
8
, drink more, smoke more cigarettes and generally have more health
9
and have more weight problems. So, while marriage is a risk staying
single is even riskier!

Scene from the film Bride Wars, 2009, directed by Gary Winick.

134
 2
William
Shakespeare Hamlet (1600-01)
The longest and most famous of Shakespeare’s tragedies, Hamlet, is set in 1 Complete.
Denmark in the 13th century. 1 King Hamlet dies.
The new king
Hamlet: the plot is , Prince
Hamlet’s .
Prince Hamlet is the son of King Hamlet of Denmark, who died two
The new king has
months before the beginning of the story. Denmark is now ruled by
married ,
Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius, who has married Hamlet’s mother, Queen
Prince Hamlet’s
Gertrude. .
In the first act Hamlet meets his father’s ghost who tells him that he was The ghost is prince Hamlet’s
murdered by his brother, Claudius, and asks him to avenge him but not to .
harm his widow, Gertrude. Hamlet is enraged by this news and pretends The ghost tells him he
to have gone mad to cover his intentions of revenge. King Claudius, was
troubled by the change in Hamlet, orders two courtiers, Rosencrantz and by
Guildenstern, to spy on him and discover what has caused this change. and asks Hamlet
Meanwhile Hamlet rejects Ophelia, Polonius’ daughter, who is in love to him.
with him. When Hamlet mistakenly kills Polonius Ophelia becomes To do this Hamlet pretends
mad with grief and drowns herself. he is .
King Claudius sends Hamlet to England and orders Rosencrantz 2 Ophelia is
and Guildenstern to kill him. Hamlet, daughter. She is in love with
but he
however, is kidnapped by pirates who
her.
return him to Claudius after he pays a
Hamlet
ransom. Polonius by mistake and then
Claudius makes another attempt to Ophelia
eliminate Hamlet by arranging a duel herself.
between him and Laertes, Ophelia’s 3 The king decides
brother. But the tip of the sword to .
is poisoned, as is the victor’s cup, His first attempt is
so the tragedy ends with the unsuccessful so he organises
death of all the characters. The a ,
sword kills Hamlet, Laertes and hoping Ophelia’s
Claudius, while Gertrude dies
after drinking the poisoned will kill him but all the
wine. Ironically Hamlet does characters
in the final scene.
finally kill Claudius but it is
a spontaneous, sudden action
while he himself is dying and
revenge for himself, not his father,
but it is all too late.

Statue of Hamlet.

135
William Shakespeare Hamlet

2 Answer. The themes of the play

What are the main themes Shakespeare’s source for Hamlet was the Historia Danicae by the Danish
in Hamlet? historian of the 13th century, Saxo Grammaticus. Hamlet has a standard
revenge plot, characterised by bloody deeds and intrigue, all typical
Elizabethan themes. But this drama is much more than just a story
3 Translate into Italian the of revenge as it contains many different themes, the most important
expressions underlined
ones being those of the mask and of madness. It can be said that every
in the text.
character in Hamlet wears a mask, beginning with Hamlet himself who
feigns madness but is not mad. All the characters first reveal one side of
their character which, in the course of the play, becomes transformed into
4 Complete.
something completely different. It becomes a game of reality and illusion,
Hamlet’s father’s ghost
nothing is what it seems and all appearances deceive. Even the ghost
complicates things for him
is a double illusion. He seems to be the spectre of Hamlet’s dead father,
because he inadvertently
1
and how
bringing him the message to be cautions of Claudius, his murderer.
can a person 2 But he also, inadvertently, is responsible for Hamlet’s own death.
information from a ghost? The theme of madness is represented by Hamlet and Ophelia and is
cleverly woven into the plot by Shakespeare. Hamlet uses madness as
a mask, to arrive at the truth of his father’s murder, which also leads him
to bring about Ophelia’s real and tragic madness.
Action versus inaction is also a major theme in the play and Prince Hamlet
focuses on this especially in his famous soliloquy ‘to be, or not to be.’ In this
A soliloquy is a type famous speech his uncertainties and indecision develop into a meditation
of monologue in which a
on life in general, its difficulties, its challenges, as he tries to decide how to
character directly addresses
the audience while alone react and avenge his father’s death. The issue is further complicated by the
on stage or while the other fact that anything Hamlet knows about his father’s death has come from
actors are silent. It is not a ghost, an inexistent entity. Can one trust a ghost? Consequently Hamlet
meant to be heard by the prefers to analyse and philosophise rather than take action and this is his
other characters. It is used greatest weakness.
when the playwright needs
The play develops in an atmosphere pervaded by evil and corruption,
to show the audience a
character’s inner thoughts expressed in the recurrent images present in the drama. Evil and
and feelings. corruption, however, are not things which surround the characters
but something inherent in them.

Hamlet played
by Benedict Cumberbatch.

136
 The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
2
Hamlet the character 5 Answer true or false.
Correct the false statements:
Hamlet remains probably the most popular Shakespearian tragedy, a
popularity in many ways due to the beautiful soliloquies Shakespeare 1 It is Shakespeare’s
most popular tragedy. T F
gives the main character, seven soliloquies in total in which the
protagonist shares his intimate feelings, doubts and concerns with 2 Hamlet is the
the audience. Hamlet represents the Renaissance tragic hero who is traditional heroic
figure. T F
different from the traditional heroic figure. While the traditional hero
shows courage, nobility and a self-sacrificing spirit, the Renaissance hero 3 Renaissance heroes
possesses many of these qualities but also has weaknesses that contribute have courage and also
weaknesses. T F
to his ruin. Thus, the noble Hamlet suffers because of his error of judgment
and his lack of decision. 4 Hamlet’s strengths
Hamlet is not a man of great will or passion but a man of great sensitivity are his will and
passion. T F
and power of reflection. His actions are the result of rash spontaneity
and are not premeditated. On important occasions, when he should act, 5 Hamlet does not act
he does not. He hesitates, pondering and uncertain, spending precious when he should. T F

time reflecting on life.

BEFORE READING

1 What is the nature of a ghost? Can it be trusted? Hamlet becomes

obsessed by this question and doubts if the ghost is ‘a spirit of health
or goblin damned’, but he calls him ‘Hamlet, King, father, royal Dane’ and
gets ready to listen to him. What do you think Hamlet’s state of mind
could be when faced with this ghost? Choose the correct alternative.
A frightened B confused C worried D sceptical

The ghost scene AUDIO CD 1 - TR 11/MP3 11

Back home from his university study at Wittenberg, Prince Hamlet

finds his father dead and his mother married to his uncle. He falls
into a distracted state of mourning and of grief over his mother’s
quick remarriage, which is also emphasised by his complex and
melancholy nature. The meeting with his father’s ghost on the
battlements of the castle of Elsinore at night marks the beginning
of Hamlet’s dramatic internal conflict in trying to decide how he
should react.

Act I, Scene V

GHOST. [...] Now, Hamlet, hear: 2 Answer.

’Tis given out that, sleeping in mine orchard, 1 Line 2: What does ‘given out’
A serpent stung me1; so the whole ear of Denmark mean?
Is by a forged 2 process of my death 2 Line 3: Who or what is
5 Rankly3 abus’d; but know, thou4 noble youth, ‘the whole ear of Denmark’?

1. stung me: mi punse. 3. Rankly: falsamente.

2. forged: falsificato. 4. thou: you.

137
 William Shakespeare Hamlet

3 Answer. The serpent that did sting thy father’s life

1 Line 6: What does ‘sting thy Now wears his crown.
father’s life’ mean? HAMLET. O my prophetic soul!
2 Line 10: What words does My uncle!
the ghost use to describe 10 GHOST. Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast
Hamlet’s uncle? With witchcraft5 of his wit6 , with traitrous7 gifts,
3 Line 14: How does the ghost O wicked wit and gifts, that have the power
describe the queen? So to seduce! won to his shameful lust8
The will9 of my most seeming-virtuous queen.
4 Line 15: How could you
15 Hamlet! what a falling-off was there;
paraphrase ‘falling-off’?
From me, whose love was of that dignity
5 Line 16: What word does the
That it went hand in hand even with the vow10
ghost use to describe his love?
I made to her in marriage; and to decline
6 Line 19: Who is the ‘wretch’ Upon a wretch11 whose natural gifts were poor
the ghost describes? 20 To those of mine! […]

5. witchcraft: stregoneria. 9. will: volontà.

6. wit: ingegno. 10. vow: promessa.
7. traitrous: traditori. 11. wretch: indegno.
8. lust: lussuria.

Hamlet speaks with

his father’s ghost, 1899.
OVER TO YOU

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

1 What does the ghost reveal to Hamlet about his death?

2 Who or what is the ‘serpent’ the ghost refers to in line 6?

A Prince Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius
B Prince Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude
C a snake

3 Line 7: ‘Now wears his crown’. Who wears whose crown?

4 What is the ghost saying about himself in lines 16-18 with these words?
• dignity
• vow
• marriage

5 In the final lines of the extract the ghost compares Claudius, his brother, with himself:

Upon a wretch whose natural gifts were poor

To those of mine!

In your own words, what is he saying?

138
 The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
2

6 What function does the ghost have for the development of the plot?

7 What other convention is often used by Shakespeare to the same effect?

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

8 According to the ghost how did Claudius ‘so seduce’ Gertrude to his ‘shameful lust?

9 In line 14 the ghost refers to Gertrude as ‘my most seeming-virtuous queen.’ Why does he use the word
‘seeming’ in your opinion?

10 What could he be implying?

11 COMPETENCE For an Elizabethan audience the entry of a ghost on stage would have been a thrilling
moment in the theatre. Stages, however, were very simple at that time, with little scenery or special
effects. How would you have presented the ghost? In pairs create the scene:
• think of its appearance • what about lighting?
• how would it move? • would you provide any sound effects?
SUMMARY

12 Put the following sentences in order to create a summary of the extract.

a He describes himself as a man who respected his marriage vows.
b Hamlet is shocked to learn his uncle is a murderer.
c Claudius seduced Gertrude with his intelligence and gifts.
d In contrast he describes his brother, Claudius as inferior.
e The ghost reveals to Hamlet that he was murdered by his brother.
f Claudius now ‘wears his crown.’
g The ghost describes himself as a man of dignity.

The soliloquy ‘to be or not to be’ 1 Complete.

Having been visited by his father’s ghost who tells him that he was This soliloquy focuses on
murdered by his own brother, who is now king, Claudius, Hamlet must Hamlet’s 1
now decide whether or not to avenge his father’s murder by killing his to avenge or not his
2
murder.
uncle. He becomes overpowered by his thoughts which lead him to reflect
upon his position, pondering whether it is better to live or to die, i.e. He finds it 3
to decide. His thoughts become
commit suicide.
gradually more and more
What becomes clear here is Hamlet’s main weakness, which is his tendency 4
.
to procrastinate, choosing inaction above action as he becomes lost in his
He even considers committing
thoughts. He tries to find answers to some of the fundamental questions 5
. His
of man’s complex nature. Inevitably the questions concern life and thoughts gradually develop into
death and are linked with the theme of truth and honesty. Hamlet asks a6 debate
questions about things which are not his own exclusive concerns, in fact about man and centring around
he never uses the words ‘I’ or ‘me’. His soliloquy becomes a philosophical fundamental arguments of
debate, which takes his dilemma from a personal to a universal level. 7
and death.

139
William Shakespeare Hamlet

BEFORE READING

1 Referring to the preceding commentary can you now explain what this
first famous line from the soliloquy might mean?

To be, or not to be: that is the question.

AUDIO CD 1 - TR 12/MP3 12 Hamlet’s dilemma

2 Answer. Act III, Scene I
1 Line 2: ‘nobler in the mind
HAMLET. To be, or not to be: that is the question.
to suffer’ – Line 4: ‘or to take
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
arms’
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune1 ,
These lines indicate the
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
contrast between what?
5 And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep;
A being or not being
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
B action or inaction The
he heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
2 Line 6: Why does Hamlet use That flesh is heir to2 , ’tis a consummation
‘we end’ and not ‘I end’? Devoutly to be wish’d. To die, to sleep;
3 Line 7: The words he uses to 10 To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub3;
describe life tell us that he For
or in that sleep of death what dreams may come
sees life as extremely difficult When we have shuffled off4 this mortal coil5 ,
or exciting? Must give us pause. There’s the respect
4 Lines 14-15: Does he consider That makes calamity of so long life;
a long life as something 15 For who would bear the whips and scorns6 of time,
positive or negative? The oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely7,
The pangs of dispriz’d love8 , the law’s delay,
5 Lines 11-21: What option
The insolence of office, and the spurns9
does he say man has?
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
6 Line 24: What is the
20 When he himself might his quietus10 make
‘undiscover’d country’
With a bare bodkin11? who would these fardels bear,
he refers to?
To grunt and sweat12 under a weary life,
But that dread13 of something after death,
The undiscover’d country from whose bourn

Hamlet, 1896. Poster advertising

a production of Hamlet.

1. slings and…outrageous fortune: i colpi 8. pangs of…love: le angosce dell’amore

di fionda e i dardi della fortuna. disprezzato.
2. flesh is heir to: che la carne eredita. 9. spurns: umiliazioni.
3. rub: problema, difficoltà. 10. quietus: quietanza.
4. shuffled off: districati da. 11. bare bodkin: nudo pugnale.
5. mortal coil: groviglio funesto. 12. grunt and sweat: grugnire e sudare.
6. whips and scorns: le frustate e le ingiurie. 13. dread: terrore.
7. contumely: l’oltraggio.

140
 The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
2
25 No traveller returns, puzzles the will14 , 3 Answer.
And makes us rather bear15 those ills we have 1 Line 28: What does he say
Than fly to others that we know not of? conscience makes men?
Thus conscience does make cowards16 of us all; 2 Lines 30-34: What does
And thus the native hue17 of resolution he say the ‘pale cast
30 Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought18 , of thought’ leads to?
And enterprises of great pith19 and moment A Lack of action
With this regard their currents turn awry20 ,
B Decisive action
And lose the name of action.

14. puzzles the will: confonde la volontà. 18. Is sicklied...thought: s’illividisce all’ombra
15. bear: sopportare. pallida del pensiero.
16. cowards: codardi. 19. pith: rilievo.
17. hue: colore. 20. their currents turn awry: le loro correnti
si sviano dal loro corso.
OVER TO YOU

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

1 Hamlet continues his analysis of the consequences of living or dying. What two alternatives does
he indicate? Can you explain them in your own words?

2 What does he compare death to (l. 5)?

3 What is the consideration that follows in lines 8-13? Choose from the following.
A That suicide could be desirable.
B That suicide is not possible.
C That living is much better than dying.

4 Why does he also reject the alternative of sleep? Choose from the following.
A He could have bad dreams.
B He thinks that man must endure the difficulties in life and not escape them.
C Sleeping is like dying.

5 From line 14 Hamlet makes a long list of the negative aspects of life. Identify the lines in which he speaks
about:
1 problems of love Line:
2 political oppression Line:
3 bureaucracy Line:
4 the passing of time Line:
5 the arrogance of some men Line:

6 In spite of these problems men decide to live. Why? Can you identify the lines in which he gives his own
explanation for this?

141
 William Shakespeare Hamlet

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

7 Here we can find the metaphor of sleeping = death. Death is seen as something
A positive B negative C neutral

8 What two similarities do death and sleep have according to Hamlet?

9 In the final part of his soliloquy Hamlet’s choice of words tell us that he has a negative view of man’s
‘conscience’. Why? Which words give this impression?

10 What does this soliloquy reveal about Hamlet’s state of mind?

11 What do you think of the language used by Shakespeare in this soliloquy? Choose from the following.
A simple but rich in meaning
B obscure and charged with imagery
C easy and colloquial

12 This is the most famous soliloquy in the history of the theatre. Most people know the opening lines even
though they may not know the play. In this soliloquy Hamlet deals with some of the existential problems
of human life. Which ones? Choose from the following.
A fear of death D family ties G link between thought
B meaning of love E idea of suicide and action
C meaning of life F difficulty of finding truth

13 Do you think that by speaking universally and not personally Hamlet is trying to... (More than one
alternative is possible.)
philosophise in general on life
relieve himself of his individual responsibility to act
justify his inaction

14
6
4 DISCUSSION Revenge is not justice but is revenge ever justified?
SUMMARY

15 Complete using the words below.

people • option • life • existence • develop • inaction • cowards • personal • soliloquy • avenge
One of the most famous speeches in literature, Hamlet’s 1 centres around his
thoughts as he tries to decide whether or not to 2 his father’s murder. Whether
to act or not. Hamlet’s thoughts, however, soon 3 into a complex meditation on
4
itself and he does not speak of his own, 5 dilemma but sees
his situation as being universal and relevant to all 6
at some time or another.
He speaks of the problems all men must face in life and also states that man could easily end his own
7
‘under a weary life’ but says that even this is not a valid 8 as there
is the ‘dread of something after death’. Conscience turns men into 9 , therefore,
and conscience, thought and doubt may lead men to prefer 10 over action.

142
REVIEW
The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
2

16 Answer with one or two words.

1 Where is Hamlet set?
2 Whose death is Hamlet mourning?
3 Who genuinely goes mad in the play?
4 What are the names of Hamlet’s ‘would-be’ murderers?
5 What happens at the end of the play?

17 Choose the correct alternative.

1 Hamlet is (more than one alternative is correct)
A a comedy D a thriller
B a revenge drama E a tragedy
C a love story
2 Shakespeare took his inspiration for the play from
A an Italian short story
B a historical chronicle
C a Latin poem
3 Which themes are present in the play? (more than one alternative is correct)
A reality versus illusion D friendship problems
B madness E action and inaction
C the thirst for knowledge
4 The play is particularly famous for
A its original plot
B the protagonist’s soliloquies
C its beautiful language
5 Hamlet is (more than one alternative is correct)
A brave E sensitive
B strong F thoughtful
C passionate G mad
D indecisive
6 Ophelia is
A Laertes’s daughter
B Polonius’s daughter
C Hamlet’s wife
7 Apart from Hamlet all the characters are
A negative
B positive
C neither negative nor positive
8 The dominant atmosphere in the play is one of
A joy and serenity
B evil and corruption
C thrills and romanticism

143
 ON/OFF SCREEN

DIRECTED
by Franco Zeffirelli (1990)
STARRING
Mel Gibson
Glenn Close
Alan Bates

VIDEO
Hamlet (1990)
by Franco Zeffirelli – Scene 1
Meeting His Father’s Ghost

Hamlet
ON SCREEN
OVER TO YOU

1 Hamlet is visited by his father’s ghost. Watch the scene

for the first time and underline the correct option.
Scene 1 – Meeting His
1 Hamlet is on the castle wall / in the dining hall.
Father’s Ghost
2 It is morning / night time.
Watch this important scene from
3 Hamlet seems calm / agitated.
the beginning of the play which
4 His father’s ghost seems determined / depressed.
dictates how Hamlet will think
and behave in the future 2 What elements of body language best communicate Hamlet’s
mood?

3 Without looking at the film script can you say what the ghost
tells Hamlet about his death?

4 Now read the film script on the next page and watch the scene
Scene from the film Hamlet again. What is the ghost asking Hamlet to do?
by Franco Zeffi relli.

5 How would you describe the atmosphere in this scene?

6 DISCUSSION What different thoughts and emotions might

now be going through Hamlet’s mind after what he has just
heard? Discuss.

7 Film director, Franco Zeffirelli, only provides half of the ghost’s

speech and is only faithful to 30% of Shakespeare’s original text
throughout the film. How do you find this choice?
damaging to the original work by Shakespeare
a sensible way of making Shakespeare more appealing
to modern audiences

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 GHOST. I am thy father’s spirit,
Doomed for a certain term to walk the night,
And for the day confined to fast in fires,
[…] But that I am forbid
5 To tell the secrets of my prison house,
I could a tale unfold whose lightest word
Would harrow up thy soul,
[…] List, list, oh list!
If thou didst ever thy dear father love –
10 […] Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.
HAMLET. Murder?
GHOST. Murder most foul, as in the best it is,
But this most foul, strange, and unnatural.
[…] ’Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard,
15 A serpent stung me.
[…] but know, thou noble youth,
That serpent that did sting thy father’s life
Now wears his crown.
HAMLET. O my prophetic soul!
20 My uncle?

VIDEO
ON SCREEN Hamlet (1990)
Scene 2 – To Be or Not to Be by Franco Zeffirelli – Scene 2
To Be or Not to Be
After being visited by his father’s ghost
Hamlet has decided to pretend he is
mad while planning his course of
action, although he remains doubtful
and uncertain of what to do. Now
watch and listen to the first part of
Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, which
comes later in the play, and answer
the questions below. Glenn Close playing Gertrude.
OVER TO YOU

1 Zeffirelli chose a crypt for the scene of this famous soliloquy.

1 Why is this a suitable choice?
2 What part of Hamlet’s speech is highlighted by this environment?
3 In what ways is Hamlet’s mood now different from the first scene? (Look at facial expressions, tone of voice.)
Choose from the following.
A hysterical C relieved E resigned
B pensive D tormented F reflective

2 Is Mel Gibson’s Hamlet convincing in your opinion?

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William
Shakespeare Macbeth (1606)
A tragedy in five acts, Macbeth is set in 11th-century Scotland.
The plot is derived from Raphael Holinshed’s Chronicles of England,
Scotlande and Irelande (1577).

1 Answer true or false. Macbeth: the plot

Correct the false statements. There is a war between Duncan, King of Scotland, and the King of
1 Macbeth takes place Norway. Two brave generals, Macbeth and Banquo, help defeat the enemy.
in Scotland. T F When returning from battle, they encounter three witches who offer them
2 Macbeth is not three predictions: that Macbeth will become Thane (medieval for ‘Scottish
a brave general. T F aristocrat’) of Cawdor and then King of Scotland, and that Banquo’s
3 Macbeth meets descendants will become kings.
four witches. T F In return for his bravery in battle Macbeth is indeed made Thane of
4 Macbeth becomes Cawdor, the witches’ first prediction therefore comes true.
Thane of Cawdor. T F Once home his wife, Lady Macbeth, talks him into killing Duncan in order
5 He does not want to turn the witches’ second prophecy into a reality. Macbeth secretly stabs
to become king. T F Duncan to death and consequently becomes King of Scotland.
6 Macbeth sees However, thinking that Banquo is suspicious of him and fearing the third
Duncan’s ghost. T F prediction (that Banquo’s descendants will also be kings), Macbeth decides
7 Lady Macbeth dies to kill Banquo and his son.
of madness. T F His plan goes wrong, however, as although he manages to kill
Banquo his son escapes. When Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost he begins
8 Macbeth himself dies
from poisoning. T F to think he is going mad. Lady Macbeth,
obsessed with thoughts of Duncan’s death,
becomes deranged and dies.
More predictions arrive from the witches
and they tell Macbeth to beware of
2 Complete. Macduff, an important lord.
1 The witches tell Macbeth Unable to reach Macduff, who is in
he will exile in England raising an army with
and Duncan’s son Malcolm, Macbeth,
then . instead, kills Macduff’s family. He still
2 Macbeth kills thinks he is safe, however, but all of
.
the witches’ prophecies come true
3 Macduff when he is finally killed in battle by
is .
the avenging Macduff. He will take
4 Malcolm
Macbeth’s head to Malcolm who will
is .
then become King of Scotland.

John Singer Sargent, Ellen Terry Playing

Lady Macbeth, 1889. Oil on canvas.

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 The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
2
Macbeth and Banquo Meet the
Three Witches, illustration from
Chronicles of England, Scotlande
and Irelande, by Raphael
Holinshed, 1577. Engraving.

The protagonist
Macbeth is a tragic hero: at the beginning of the play he shows his courage 3 Complete the following about
and his loyalty to the king by fighting and defeating the Danes. He is Macbeth’s character and how
it changes during the play.
presented as a noble and good-natured man, but when tempted he soon
‘falls’ and, driven by his great ambition, commits crime after crime, At the beginning he is
transforming himself from hero into villain. However, when he does
become a villain, he is greatly troubled by his conscience.
.
This feeling of guilt begins to poison Macbeth’s life. After his first crime,
At the end he has become
he continues to murder those he once saw as his friends but now sees as
his enemies. He kills to maintain and increase his power but receives
no joy from his position, simply becoming more isolated, fearful and .
suspicious of everyone. Through his crimes his previous values of love,
loyalty and justice disintegrate, and he even loses his wife. In the final
part of the play he defines life as: ‘a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and
fury, signifying nothing’. 4 Answer.
1 What personality trait
The other characters do Macbeth and his wife
Lady Macbeth initially comes across as a ruthless woman without both share?
scruples. She is stronger than her husband and encourages him to murder 2 What feeling do they
Duncan so that he can become king. She acts out of ambition, but also both suffer from?
out of love for her husband. In the end, the same sense of guilt which 3 How does this feeling
persecutes Macbeth also affects her and is symbolised by her repetitive manifest itself in Lady
Macbeth?
action of trying to wash her hands clean of blood, which eventually drives
4 If Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
her mad. The contrast between good and evil is further emphasised as
come to represent evil in the
Macbeth and his wife become counterparts to the positive characters
play who represents good?
of Duncan, Malcolm and Macduff.

The three witches

5 Write at least three elements
They appear several times in the play to predict Macbeth’s future and that the witches add to the
would have been a thrilling presence for Elizabethan audiences. The play.
witches introduce an element of the supernatural and symbolise the
obscure power of evil which tempts man; their prophecies represent
Macbeth’s hidden desires. Their words have an ambiguous meaning which

147
William Shakespeare Macbeth

Macbeth does not immediately understand: they insinuate that things are
not what they seem (‘fair is evil, and foul is good’), so preparing Macbeth
and the audience for the events to come, setting the scene, which is one
of immediate thrills and suspense.

Themes
6 What are the consequences The main theme of the play is ambition. It is usually said that ambition
of Macbeth’s and his wife’s is the key to success, but this is not the case for Macbeth, because his
ambition? Complete.
ambition is an uncontrollable desire for power that does not stop in the
1
face of anything, including murder. This ambition eventually brings about
2 the downfall of the two protagonists and their loss of all human values.
The role of Lady Macbeth, who, in the first part of the play, is even more
7 Say what the following symbols ambitious and resolute than her husband and is crucial to his downfall,
represent in the play. will progressively lose importance in the second part of the play.
1 the owl: Macbeth can be seen as the symbol of man’s prey to corruption. While the
witches represent temptation, it is the protagonist who makes his choices,
2 continuous knocking: and his choices are for violence and destruction. Ambition also leads to a
reversal of the ideal Elizabethan world, which was seen as harmonious
3 visions and hallucinations: and divinely ordered. Macbeth’s crimes, especially his killing the king,
destroy this system and transform it into something horrendous. For this
reason Shakespeare had to show Macbeth’s fall from power, to re-establish
the divine order and underline the moral of the play.

Symbols
Macbeth is the shortest of Shakespeare’s tragedies. Written in blank verse
with parts in prose it is a drama rich in recurrent images and symbols.
In the scene you are about to read the owl is seen as a sign of death and
the persistent knocking on the door symbolises the outer world invading
the scene of the crime. Visions and hallucinations, which embody the
protagonists’ fears and their subconscious, contribute to creating a
desolate and nightmarish atmosphere and make Macbeth comparable
to a modern-day thriller.

Johann Heinrich Füssli, The Weird

Sisters or The Three Witches, 1783.
Oil on canvas; Kunsthaus, Zürich.

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 The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
2
BEFORE READING

1 Referring back to the summary of the plot, answer this quiz before reading the extract. Choose the correct
alternative.
1 When is the tragedy set? 5 Why does Macbeth continue killing?
A in a remote classic past A he goes mad
B at the time of Shakespeare B he is encouraged by his wife
C some centuries before Shakespeare C he becomes afraid and suspicious of everybody
2 Who is Duncan? 6 What happens to Lady Macbeth?
A King of England A she goes mad
B King of Scotland B she falls in love with someone else
C a thane of the king C she is killed by Macbeth’s enemy
3 Who do Banquo and Macbeth meet when returning 7 How does the tragedy end?
from battle? A with Macbeth’s death
A Lady Macbeth
B with everybody’s death
B three witches C with Macbeth’s victory over his enemies
C Duncan’s sons
4 Who is the first to be murdered?
A Macduff’s sons
B Duncan
C Banquo

I have done the deed AUDIO CD 1 - TR 13/MP3 13

Macbeth returns after murdering Duncan. On his way to his 2 Answer.

chamber he passes the room where two guards are sleeping. 1 Line2: What is ‘the deed’
Lady Macbeth is waiting for him. Macbeth refers to?

Act II, Scene II

[Enter MACBETH, carrying two bloodstained daggers.]
MACBETH. I have done the deed1 . Didst thou not hear a noise?
LADY MACBETH. I heard the owl2 scream and the crickets cry3 .
Did not you speak?
5 MACBETH. When?
LADY MACBETH. Now.
MACBETH. As I descended?
LADY MACBETH. Ay.
MACBETH. Hark!4

1. deed: atto.
2. owl: gufo. Scene from Macbeth
3. crickets cry: i grilli frinire. at the Princess’ Theatre,
4. Hark!: Ascolta! 1845. Engraving.

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William Shakespeare Macbeth

3 Answer. 10 Who lies i’ the second chamber?

1 Lines 14-17: Macbeth speaks LADY MACBETH. Donalbain.
about the guards sleeping as MACBETH. [Looking on his hands.] This is a sorry sight5 .
he passed their room. They LADY MACBETH. A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.
were talking in their sleep. MACBETH. There’s one did laugh in’s sleep, and one cried ‘Murder!’
What did they say/do? 15 That they did wake each other: I stood and heard them;
2 Line 21: What couldn’t But they did say their prayers, and address’d them
Macbeth say? Again to sleep.
3 Line 29: What does Macbeth LADY MACBETH. There are two lodg’d together6 .
feel he will no longer be able MACBETH. One cried ‘God bless us!’ and ‘Amen’ the other:
to do? 20 As they had seen me7 with these hangman’s hands8 .
Listening their fear, I could not say ‘Amen’
4 Line 42: What is the ‘filthy
When they did say ‘God bless us!’
witness’ on Macbeth’s hands?
LADY MACBETH. Consider it not so deeply.
5 Lines 51-52: What is Lady
MACBETH. But wherefore could not I pronounce ‘Amen’?
Macbeth comparing her
25 I had most need of blessing, and ‘Amen’
husband to?
Stuck 9 in my throat.
LADY MACBETH. These deeds must not be thought
After these ways; so, it will make us mad.
MACBETH. Methought I heard a voice cry ‘Sleep no more!
30 Macbeth does murder sleep’, the innocent sleep,
Sleep that knits up the ravell’d sleave of care10 ,
Johann Heinrich Füssli, Macbeth, The death of each day’s life, sore labour’s bath11 ,
Banquo and the Witches on the
Heath, detail, 1793. Oil on canvas. Balm of hurt minds12 , great nature’s second course,
Chief nourisher in life’s feast13 , –
35 LADY MACBETH. What do you mean?
MACBETH. Still it cried, ‘Sleep no more!’ to all the house:
‘Glamis14 hath murder’d sleep, and therefore Cawdor15
Shall sleep no more, Macbeth shall sleep no more!
LADY MACBETH. Who was it that thus cried? Why, worthy thane,
40 You do unbend16 your noble strength, to think
So brainsickly17 of things. Go get some water,
And wash this filthy witness from your hand.
Why did you bring these daggers from the place?
They must lie there: go, carry them, and smear18
45 The sleepy grooms with blood.
MACBETH. I’ll go no more:
I am afraid to think what I have done;
Look on’t again I dare not.
LADY MACBETH. Infirm of purpose19 !
50 Give me the daggers. The sleeping and the dead
Are but as pictures. ’Tis the eye of childhood
That fears a painted devil. If he do bleed,
I’ll gild the faces of the grooms withal;

5. sorry sight: vista penosa. 13. Chief nourisher...feast: il nutrimento

6. lodg’d together: che stanno insieme principale nella festa della vita.
nella stanza. 14. Glamis: Thane of Glamis era il precedente
7. As they...me: come se mi avessero visto. titolo di Macbeth.
8. hangman’s hands: mani da boia. 15. Cawdor: Thane of Cawdor era il titolo
9. Stuck: bloccato. che Duncan gli conferì dopo la battaglia.
10. Sleep that...care: il sonno che dipana la 16. unbend: sprechi.
massa imbrogliata dell’ansia. 17. brainsickly: in modo dissennato.
11. sore labour’s bath: il bagno dell’amara fatica. 18. smear: imbratta.
12. Balm...minds: il balsamo degli animi feriti. 19. Infirm of purpose: Privo di fermezza.

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 The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
2
For it must seem their guilt. 4 Answer.
55 [Exit. Knocking within.] 1 Lines 56-57: How would you
MACBETH. Whence is that knocking? describe Macbeth’s mind?
How is’t with me, when every noise appals me20? A one of determination
What hands are here! Ha! they pluck out 21 mine eyes!
B one of anger
Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood
60 Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather C one of panic and fear
The multitudinous seas incarnadine, 2 Line 58: Are the hands
Making the green one red 22 . Macbeth sees his own or
[Enter LADY MACBETH.] imaginary?
LADY MACBETH. My hands are of your colour, but I shame 3 Lines 63-64: What is Lady
65 To wear a heart so white. Macbeth implying about
[Knocking within.] her husband and his ‘heart
I hear a knocking so white’?
At the south entry; retire we to our chamber; 4 Lines 75-76: ‘Be not lost...
A little water clears us of this deed; in your thoughts,’ how could
70 How easy is it, then! Your constancy we best paraphrase this?
Hath left you unattended. A stop dreaming
[Knocking within.]
B stop worrying
Hark! more knocking.
Get on your night-gown, lest 23 occasion call us, C stop wasting time
75 And show us to be watchers. Be not lost 5 Line 77: What is Macbeth
So poorly in your thoughts. admitting?
MACBETH. To know my deed, ’twere best not know myself.
[Knocking within.]
Wake Duncan with thy knocking! I would thou couldst!
80 [Exeunt.]

20. appals me: mi spaventa.

21. pluck out: strappano.
22. The multitudinous seas...green one red: tutti i mari...mutando il verde in rosso.
23. lest: dovesse.
OVER TO YOU

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

1 Read the extract again and answer the following questions.
1 In lines 1-9 there are five short questions and answers. What effect does Shakespeare create by this?
A the tiredness of the two protagonists
B Macbeth’s guilt and agitation
2 Macbeth has killed Duncan. Now he is worried because he cannot say ‘Amen’. Why?
3 What does his wife advise him to do?
4 Macbeth hears a voice saying ‘Macbeth does murder sleep’. What is Lady Macbeth’s advice?
5 What did the guards do while Macbeth was in the king’s chamber?
6 What does Macbeth refuse to do? Why?
7 Lady Macbeth offers to do it. She says there is no need to be afraid. Why?
8 At the end of the scene in line 64 what colour are Lady Macbeth’s hands and why?
9 Why does she tell Macbeth to put his nightgown on?

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William Shakespeare Macbeth

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

2 Macbeth is tormented by his sense of guilt. Quote two examples from the text which show this.

3 Focus on Lady Macbeth. Consider what she says in lines 12, 23, 27-28 and 39-45: when does she try to calm
her husband down and when does she reproach him? Can you find other reproaches from her?

4 From what we know about the plot, why are Lady Macbeth’s words ironic in lines 27-28?

5 What is Macbeth emphasising in lines 37-38?

Glamis hath murder’d sleep, and therefore Cawdor

Shall sleep no more, Macbeth shall sleep no more!

6 Who shows more cold-blooded determination? Lady Macbeth or her husband? Support your answer with
quotations from the text.

7 The tragedy is pervaded by hallucinations and visions. Identify them in the text.

8 The tragedy is also rich in imagery and symbols. Answer the following questions.
1 What does the owl represent in the drama?
2 Sleep is an important symbol used throughout the tragedy. How do you interpret the sentence: ‘Sleep no more!
Macbeth does murder sleep’? Choose from the following. (More than one alternative is possible.)
A He feels too guilty to sleep.
B He is afraid to sleep in case he also becomes a victim.
C He can’t sleep because, as a king, he will have much to do.
D He doesn’t want to sleep in case he is persecuted by his victims’ spirits.

9 COMPARE AND CONTRAST Reread Hamlet’s soliloquy lines 3-12 and Macbeth’s words in lines 29-34. In
what ways do they interpret sleep differently? How do their different characters and circumstances reflect
these interpretations?

10 In both Hamlet and Macbeth the actions of the two protagonists are dictated by their contact with the
supernatural. Write a paragraph stating in what circumstances both characters were contacted and the
consequences of this meeting (or meetings) on their behaviour and final destiny. Use this plan to help you,
focus on:
1 where the contact took place 3 what problems/dilemmas it caused them
2 how it affected their behaviour 4 their final destiny

11 DISCUSSION In pairs discuss how the ‘striking of the hour’ in Doctor Faustus (p. 112) and the repetitive
knocking in the extract from Macbeth both serve a similar purpose; what is that purpose and what effect
would it have had (and still has) on audiences? Use the following guidelines for comparing texts or extracts:
1 refer back to both texts and reread them;
2 look at what you’re being asked to do;
3 does the sound effect in both texts cause a similar or different reaction on the protagonists and on the
audiences? To answer this question look at how both characters react to the knocking.

152
 The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
2
12 Read the following text.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

FREUD ON MACBETH:
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), considered to be, not only the father of psychoanalysis, but one of
the most influential thinkers of all time, often interpreted literary texts and their characters,
applying to them his psychoanalytic theories and giving his own interpretations of their
behaviour and thought. One such character was Shakespeare’s Macbeth, whom he analysed,
5 along with Lady Macbeth, in Some Character Types Met with in Psycho-Analytical Work (1916).
In this work Freud states that the brutal actions carried out by Macbeth and his wife are a
result of their frustrations for not having satisfied their primordial need of reproduction.
In other words, the absence of children and the (apparent) impossibility of building a real family
spark 1 feelings of aggression and violence in the couple that lead to ferocious and vile murders.
10 In the second part of the play both characters become overwhelmed 2 by a sense of guilt. Freud
sees Duncan as having the role of Macbeth’s ‘metaphorical’ father, consequently Duncan’s
murder can be seen as patricide. When considering Lady Macbeth, Freud interestingly points
out that her sense of guilt only reveals itself when she is asleep and unable to control her
thoughts. Her gesture of continuously washing her hands clearly demonstrates her interior
15 guilt which she is unconsciously trying to expel.

13 DISCUSSION Discuss in groups. Focusing on the highlighted parts of Freud’s interpretation of the play answer
the following questions.
1 Do you accept these two points as a valid interpretation? Why/Why not?
2 Thinking of Shakespeare’s writing at that time, does Freud’s interpretation detract from what Shakespeare may
have been trying to do (create an Elizabethan thriller)?
3 Looking at Freud’s interpretation in the light of today’s society why might you criticise it?
SUMMARY

14 Complete using the words below.

control • sleep • shock • wash • murdering • coward • daggers • wake • suspicion • accusing • regrets •
hallucinations
Macbeth returns after 1 Duncan. Lady Macbeth is waiting for him. Macbeth is
agitated and seems to be in a state of 2 . His hands are covered with blood and he
is still carrying the 3
. Lady Macbeth tells him to go back and return them but
he is too frightened. Lady Macbeth takes 4 of the situation and takes the daggers
herself and tells Macbeth to 5
the blood from his hands, she then leaves. He feels
that the blood will never wash from his hands and he will never again 6 . His
mental state is such that he has 7
, seeing hands, constantly hearing sounds.
Lady Macbeth returns and tells him to pull himself together, 8 him of being a
9
. She then tells him to put on his nightgown and return to their chamber so as not to
arouse 10 , telling him not to think anymore about it but Macbeth 11 his
actions and wishes only that the constant knocking could 12
Duncan, bringing
him back to life.
REVIEW

15 Answer true or false.

1 Macbeth and Lady Macbeth act together to kill Duncan. T F
2 Macbeth becomes king. T F
3 In the play there are supernatural elements. T F
4 Macbeth feels remorse for the crimes he has committed. T F

153
 ON/OFF SCREEN

DIRECTED
by Justin Kurzel (2015)
STARRING
Michael Fassbender
Marion Cotillard

VIDEO
Macbeth (2015)
by Justin Kurzel –
The Queen, My Lord, Is Dead

Macbeth
ON SCREEN
The Queen, My Lord, Is Dead Over 30 film versions have the Scottish Highlands which
Justin Kurzel’s gives a gritty been made of Macbeth. One is so intrinsically connected
and authentic film version of of the most famous being to the brutality of the story.
Macbeth. Most of the scenes Orson Welles’s version of 1948.
were shot in Scotland and Another acclaimed version was The story on screen so far...
Kurzel, although using an later made by Roman Polanski in In the scene you are about to
abridged version of the script, 1971. Few, however, have captured, see Lady Macbeth has just died
was faithful to Shakespeare’s as brilliantly as Kurzel’s, the from her madness and Macbeth
language. harsh and rugged landscape of gives his moving soliloquy.
OVER TO YOU

1 Watch the scene the first time without sound and answer
the following observation questions.
1 Where does the scene take place?
2 Apart from Macbeth and his dead wife, who else is in the scene?
3 What does Macbeth do with his wife’s body?
4 Comment on the lighting in the scene. What mood does
it create?
A happy B sad C depressing
5 How would you describe Macbeth’s body language and his
reactions to his dead wife? Does he seem...? (More than one
alternative is possible.)
shocked relieved
upset tender
indifferent brutal

154
 2 Now watch and listen to the scene after reading the text from your anthology. Remembering that Macbeth
was mentally unstable at this point of the play how does Michael Fassbender reflect this?
(More than one alternative is possible.)
By interpreting a character who is indifferent to all suffering now.
By interpreting a character who is indifferent to his wife.
By interpreting a character who is indifferent to life now.

3 Go back to the text and choose expressions to justify your choices

in exercice 2. Focus on the final lines.

4 Before killing the king, Macbeth was a respected soldier and noble.
From Michael Fassbender’s interpretation in this scene how would
you now define Macbeth? Discuss in pairs.

5 Do you agree with Fassbender’s interpretation?

VIDEO
OFF SCREEN
Macbeth (2015)
In this second video we will listen to Michael Fassbender speaking by Justin Kurzel –
Being Macbeth
about playing the role of Macbeth.
OVER TO YOU

1 Before watching find out about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and what it is normally associated with.

2 In this sequence the interviewer begins by asking Michael Fassbender what angle, or what perspective
he chose for the role of Macbeth. Watch the interview for the first time and put the points Fassbender
mentions in the correct order:
a It would be on the curriculum and so maybe they would go to see it in the cinemas...
b I wanted 15-year-olds to be excited about Shakespeare...
c I just wanted to make it personable...
d They would... see things that maybe they didn’t see or learn about at school...
e I did it for the kids...

3 Watch again and complete what director Justin Kurzel thought about Macbeth on the first day of rehearsals.
He said: ‘This is a guy suffering from...’

4 When speaking about Shakespeare, Fassbender says he was

A behind the times B ahead of his time

5 As you will have learnt in exercise 1 post-traumatic stress disorder is something we often associate
with soldiers who come back from war zones. Can you see any similarities between a modern soldier
and the figure of Macbeth – reread the plot if necessary.

6 DISCUSSION Michael Fassbender said that in interpreting the role of Macbeth he ‘wanted to get
15-year-olds excited about...’ to help them see and learn things about Shakespeare they didn’t learn
at school. If you have watched any play by Shakespeare either at the theatre or cinema, did it inspire
you and help you understand the play(s) better? Discuss in class, comparing what you have seen.

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William
Shakespeare Othello (1603)
BEFORE READING Othello: the plot
Othello, the Moor of Venice, is a powerful and skillful general who has
1 Match the characters won the heart of Desdemona, the daughter of a Venetian senator. They
with their definition. marry secretly but their marriage and happiness is threatened and
0 c Othello eventually destroyed by Iago, an envious lower officer. Iago is jealous
1 Iago of Cassio because Othello made him lieutenant in his army. In order to
2 Emilia gain revenge on both Othello and Cassio Iago decides to provoke Othello’s
jealousy and ruin his happiness by telling him that his wife is being
3 Desdemona
unfaithful to him with Cassio. Othello is called to Cyprus as he must
4 Cassio
defend it from a possible attack from the Turks and it is during this
a Othello’s wife period away from Venice that Iago begins to put his plan into action. He
b Iago’s wife
gradually builds evidence to support his allegations, slowly convincing
c powerful general
d lieutenant Othello of his wife’s betrayal with Cassio. Othello is finally convinced
e lower officer when he sees Cassio with Desdemona’s handkerchief and his love for his
wife now turns to hatred and anger, which is so strong that he
murders his wife. It is only later that, ironically, Iago’s wife
Emilia, reveals to Othello the true story. Realising
what he has done Othello kills himself. The play
2 Underline the correct option.
ends with Iago’s imprisonment
1 Iago is friendly with / jealous
and Cassio’s promotion to the
of Cassio.
governorship of Cyprus.
2 He wants to make Othello
Apart from the first act,
happy with / suspicious of
which is set in Venice, the
Desdemona.
story takes place in Cyprus,
3 Iago tells Othello his wife
is betraying him with and is compressed into 36
the Venetian senator / Cassio. hours, gradually building
4 Finally Othello kills / believes up to a climax of tension.
Iago. There are only a few main
5 As a result Desdemona / Cassio characters in this play
is murdered. and no sub-plot. For these
6 By the end of the scene two reasons the play is one of
people / three people are dead. Shakespeare’s most well-
7 Most of the play takes place contained and traditional
in Cyprus / Venice. in structure, following
Aristotle’s rules for drama.
Edmund Kean, British actor
3 Answer. as Othello. Lithograph.
1 What was the name
Shakespeare’s source
of Shakespeare’s source?
The seventh novella of the third decade of the Hecatommithi (1566) by
2 What do the conflicting
stages of emotions create
Giovanni Battista Giraldi provided the plot for Othello, which Shakespeare
in the play? used in the original Italian version (1504-73). As with other plays,
Shakespeare changed the original story, in particular through the triangle
Othello, Iago, Desdemona. But not only, a constant state of tension is
maintained throughout the play as a result of the conflicting stages of
emotions between characters attraction/repulsion, love/hatred, light/
darkness (black/white).

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2
2 Read the introduction and say
BEFORE READING what elements of darkness and
light there will be in the scene.
1 Light and darkness are two contrasting images used frequently in
literature to express opposite concepts, characters or themes. In Othello Darkness:
the main character is a black Moor whose values and principles contrast
the evil, dark soul of the white Iago. Can you think of any examples Light:
from texts you have read in English or other literatures which use this
contrasting theme of light and dark?

Yet I’ll not shed her blood AUDIO CD 1 - TR 14/MP3 14

The following extract is from Act V, Scene II, near the end of the 3 Answer.
tragedy. The scene of Desdemona’s murder opens with a poignant 1 Line 1: What is ‘the cause’ of
speech by Othello. He has entered her bed chamber and is looking Othello’s actions he refers to?
at her as she sleeps. It is night: darkness is needed for the crime, but 2 Lines 4-5: What do ‘snow’
images of light are introduced into the dominant darkness of the and ‘alabaster’ refer to?
scene. It is the light of a candle, but it is also the light of Desdemona’s
3 Line 7: What do the two
life which will be put out. Light and darkness are also related to white
references to ‘light’ refer to?
(Desdemona’s purity) and black (Othello’s complexion as a Moor).
4 Lines 8-9: What is the ‘flaming
Act V, Scene II minister’ whose light Othello
can ‘restore’? Choose:
OTHELLO. It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul, A Desdemona’s life
Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars! –
B Othello’s own life
It is the cause. Yet I’ll not shed1 her blood;
Nor scar2 that whither skin of hers than snow, C the candle
5 And smooth 3 as monumental alabaster. 5 After kissing Desdemona
Yet she must die else she’ll betray more men, what is Othello ‘almost’
Put out the light and then put out the light: persuaded to do?
If I quench4 thee, thou flaming minister,
I can again thy former light restore,
10 Should I repent me; but once put out thy light,
Thou cunning’st pattern 5 of excellent nature,
I know not where is that Promethean heat6
That can thy light relume7. When I have pluck’d thy rose
I cannot give it vital growth again,
15 It needs must wither8: I’ll smell it on the tree. –
[Kissing her.]
O balmy breath9, that dost almost persuade
Justice to break her sword! One more, one more. –
Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee,
20 And love thee after. One more, and this the last:
So sweet was ne’er10 so fatal. I must weep
But they are cruel tears: this sorrow’s heavenly
It strikes11 where it doth love. She wakes.

1. shed: verserò. 7. relume: riaccendere.

2. scar: scalfirò. 8. It needs...wither: dovrà inevitabilmente
3. smooth: liscia. languire.
4. quench: spengo. 9. balmy breath: dolce respiro.
5. cunning’st pattern: bellissimo prodotto. 10. ne’er: (never) mai. H.C. Selous, Othello, from
6. Promethean heat: Prometeo, nel mito greco, 11. strikes: colpisce. the exhibition of the British
rubò il fuoco agli dei e ne fece dono agli uomini. Institution, 1854.

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William Shakespeare Othello

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

1 Answer the following questions.
1 Where is the scene set?
2 What is Desdemona doing?
3 What does Othello do after entering the room?

2 There are three keywords in Othello’s monologue:

1 cause
2 light
3 rose
Which of the following meanings can you associate with each word?
a Desdemona’s life e Othello’s jealousy
b Desdemona’s beauty f Othello’s wish to avenge his honour
c Desdemona’s imagined infidelity g A burning candle on a bedside table
d Desdemona’s love for Othello h The restoration of justice and moral order

3 What do the references to ‘snow’ and ‘alabaster’ in lines 4-5 imply about Desdemona?

4 What does this tell us about Othello’s feelings as he looks at her?

5 In line 6 what is Othello trying to do here?

6 Underline the contrasting words in lines 20-24. What do they tell us about Othello’s state of mind?

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

7 Two contrasting colours appear in Othello’s speech. What are they?

8 DISCUSSION Underline the words and expressions that represent them. What do these colours symbolise?
Discuss.

9 What role has Othello chosen for himself in this monologue? Choose from the following.
(Give evidence from the text.)
A a jealous husband Lines:
B a raving mad killer Lines:
C a judge who is expected to punish an offender Lines:

10 What do lines 17-24 tell us about Othello’s contrasting feelings for Desdemona?
Choose the correct alternative.
A He loves her but needs to kill her.
B He hates her and wants to kill her.
C He sees her as an object of desire.

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11 Looking at Othello’s words in this extract how would you describe his behaviour towards Desdemona during
this scene? Choose the correct alternative.
A brutal B indifferent C tender

12 The fact that Desdemona is sleeping while Othello speaks contributes to her being seen as...
Choose the correct alternative.
A the guilty partner
B the victim

13 Othello repeats the word ‘cause’ three times in the opening three lines of his soliloquy. For the Elizabethans,
‘cause’ had several meanings:
• an action which prompts a reaction (Desdemona’s infidelity);
• a morally justifiable end one is pursuing (e.g. ‘all in a good cause’);
• a legal usage meaning an accusation brought against someone in court (Othello sees himself as an agent
of impartial justice).
Which of the above meanings would apply to Othello considering his situation and state of mind at this
point in the play?

14 DISCUSSION Iago is made great by Shakespeare in his personification of evil. From the beginning of
the play he makes his plans known to the audience, so making the audience complicit with his actions.
He represents the tradition of the devil of medieval history plays, Judas and the fallen angels in the Bible
and of Vice in the morality plays. Do you know any other great villains in literature?
SUMMARY

15 Complete using the words below.

skin • kisses • plan • decides • blood • betray • die • sleeps
Othello has entered Desdemona’s chamber and is looking at her while she 1 .
He reasons with himself why Desdemona must 2
. He wouldn’t like to shed her
3
and scar her perfect, white 4 , but he has to do so otherwise
she will 5 other men. He 6 her several times and nearly abandons
his 7
to kill her, but in the end 8 she must die.
REVIEW

16 Choose the correct alternative.

1 Which kind of Shakespearean play is Othello?
A A history play B A tragedy C A comedy
2 What is the main theme of the play?
A Racism B Jealousy and revenge C Power
3 The play takes place over
A a short period of time B a long period of time
4 During the play Shakespeare creates growing
A dramatic tension B suspense C fear
5 The play takes place mainly in
A Venice B Italy C Cyprus

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William
Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1599)
1 Answer.
1 Who has Caesar just defeated
J ulius Caesar was the first of Shakespeare’s three plays dealing with
the history of Rome, the others being Coriolanus and Antony and
Cleopatra. After its foundation Rome was ruled by oppressive kings until
at the beginning?
the Romans rebelled and a republic was formed made up of the Senate
2 Who supports Caesar?
(who dealt with civil justice) and the Tribune, who represented the people.
Julius Caesar became a consul in 59 BC and distinguished himself with
and .
his leadership ability and ambition, extending Rome’s power extensively
3 Who is against him?
outside Italy. His greatest rival was Pompey whom he defeated along with
and his sons, thus gaining absolute military power. It was after this victory
with others. that Caesar returned to Rome in triumph and it is here that Shakespeare’s
4 Who tricks Brutus into story begins. Many critics feel that the work should actually be entitled
conspiring against Caesar? ‘Marcus Brutus’ as he is the main character, Caesar being assassinated
5 Brutus loves Caesar so why at the beginning of Act III. The whole play, in fact, revolves around
does he conspire against him? Brutus’s internal conflict which stems from his love and devotion to
A Because he wants to rule Caesar but his fear that he will become absolute dictator and his love
Rome. for the Roman Republic. Caesar, however, is the instigator of all the action
B Because he loves Rome and remains the central force in the hearts and minds of the characters
more than Caesar. throughout the play, so justifying its title.
6 What warning does Caesar
receive? Julius Caesar: the plot
7 After the warning why does Pompey and his family have now been defeated. Caesar holds supreme
he still go to the senate? power and as a result a conflict has emerged in Rome between those who
A Because he feels conspire against Caesar and fear a growing dictatorship (Brutus, Cassius
invincible. and others) and those who support him (Antony and Octavius). While
B Because he wanted to most of the conspirators are motivated by envy and ambition Brutus,
confront his enemies. Caesar’s close friend, has only the interests of Rome at heart and is finally
8 Why is Brutus chosen as tricked into becoming one of the conspirators by Cassius, who led him to
the spokesman for the believe (through false letters) that the people of Rome no longer supported
conspirators? Caesar. Caesar is warned of approaching danger, ‘Beware the Ides of
9 What effect does Anthony’s March’ (15th March), yet feels invincible and goes to the Senate that day.
speech have on the crowd? It is then that he is assassinated, each conspirator stabbing him with
10 Who does Antony describe Brutus giving him the final blow. The conspirators, using the much-loved
as the ‘noblest Roman’? Brutus as spokesman, then face the crowd, declaring they acted in the
interests of Rome and its people. Brutus gives a convincing speech but,
in allowing Caesar’s supporter, Mark Antony, to speak after him, proves
himself to be a naïve politician. Antony, slowly and eloquently turns
public opinion in his favour, until finally, after showing them Caesar’s
dead body, he incites them to drive the conspirators out of Rome. The last
to survive battle is Brutus who finally commits suicide. Antony, however,
pays him a final tribute by stating that he was: ‘the noblest Roman of
them all’.

Shakespeare’s sources
The main source of Shakespeare’s play is the work by Plutarch, Lives
of the Noble Grecians and Romans in its Elizabethan translation by Sir
Thomas North. This was a very popular and much read piece of work

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 The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
2
in Shakespeare’s time and Shakespeare could have depended on the fact 2 Answer.
that much of his audience would have known the story. Were the stories of ancient Rome
well known in Shakespeare’s time?
Themes
One of the main themes of the play is the struggle for political power 3 Complete.
and how it can transform those involved. Through the characters
Identify three main themes
Brutus, Antony, Cassius and Caesar Shakespeare draws four different
of Julius Caesar:
political profiles. The honest, honourable yet naïve character of Brutus;
1 the struggle
the cunning, opportunistic yet heroic figure of Antony; the corrupt,
2 the problem of
cynical and ruthless Cassius – the perfect antagonist for Brutus; and
3 the malleability
Caesar himself, a complex figure, undoubtedly charismatic and an
efficient leader yet physically weak and blind to the dangers stemming
from those closest to him, the result of his 4 Answer.
megalomania and a fixed belief in his own Which two themes would have
invincibility. The problem of a successor was been significant for Elizabethan
something which would have also touched the audiences?
hearts of Shakespeare’s audiences at the time and
one which Shakespeare was well aware of. Queen
Elizabeth was coming to the end of her reign and
still there was no legitimate heir to the throne.
The peaceful transition which was to follow
under James I was not something the Elizabethan
audience could have predicted. Therefore the power
struggle and an uncertainty for the future we can
find in the play were things Shakespeare’s audience
could have identified with. The malleability of the
masses is another theme throughout the play as we
Scenography from Julius
can see in the two speeches below how quickly they
Caesar: portrayal of a
can change their allegiance. warrior with shield, scene
and costumes by Piero Zuffi,
1953-54, Milan.
OVER TO YOU

1 After reading about the themes create the four character

profiles Shakespeare develops with the words below:
opportunistic • efficient leader • corrupt • physically weak • believes in own invincibility • honest • blind to danger •
megalomania • cunning • charismatic • honourable • cynical • heroic • ruthless • complex • naïve
1 Caesar:

2 Brutus:

3 Antony:

4 Cassius:

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 William Shakespeare Julius Caesar

BEFORE READING

1 In the introduction we read how one of the main themes of the play
is the malleability of the masses. Can you think of any famous leaders
of the past who were successful in controlling their people through
speeches?

AUDIO CD 1 - TR 15/MP3 15 If you have tears...

We are going to look at two very important speeches in the play.
Caesar has just been assassinated. Read and listen to this short
speech by Brutus in which he explains to the people of Rome why
he took part in Caesar’s murder.

2 Answer. Act III, Scene II

1 What reasons does Brutus BRUTUS. [...] Romans, countrymen, and lovers! hear me for my cause,
give for taking part in Caesar’s and be silent, that you may hear [...]
assassination? Underline the If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s,
relevant line(s). to him I say, that Brutus’ love to Caesar was no less than his. If then
2 In which line does he express 5 that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my
the most patriotism? answer: Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.
3 What does he appeal to in Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves, than that
his listeners to persuade Caesar were dead, to live all free men? [...]
them that his actions were Who is here so base, that would be a bondman1? If any, speak; for
justified? 10 him have I offended. Who is here so rude2 that would not be a
A their fear Roman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so
vile, that will not love his country? If any, speak; for him have
B their morality
I offended. I pause for a reply.
C their patriotism
ALL. None, Brutus, none. [...]
4 In lines 4-6 he seems to
suggest that he acted for all
the people of Rome. Why?
1. bondman: schiavo. 2. rude: barbaro.
5 Does he convince the people
of Rome?

Heinrich Friedrich Füger, Assassination

of Julius Caesar, Historisches Museum
der Stadt, Vienna.

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 The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
2
Brutus agrees to let Mark Antony speak to the crowd after him. 3 Answer.
1 Line 1: Who is the ‘you’?
[...] ANTONY. If you have tears, prepare to shed 3 them now. A Brutus
You all do know this mantle4: I remember
B the people of Rome
The first time ever Caesar put it on;
’Twas on a summer’s evening, in his tent, 2 What does Antony show
5 That day he overcame the Nervii 5 . the crowd?
Look! in this place ran Cassius’ dagger6 through: 3 Line 6: With the word ‘Look!’
See what a rent7 the envious Casca 8 made: Antony draws attention
Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabb’d9, to what?
And, as he pluck’d his cursed steel away10 , 4 Who are Cassius, Casca
10 Mark how the blood of Caesar follow’d it, and Brutus?
As rushing out of doors, to be resolv’d11 A The conspirators
If Brutus so unkindly knock’d, or no; against Caesar
For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel: B Caesar’s friends
Judge, O you gods! how dearly Caesar lov’d him!
5 Line 11: What seemed to be
15 This was the most unkindest cut of all;
‘rushing out of doors’?
For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,
6 Line 13-14: According to
Ingratitude, more strong than traitors’ arms12 ,
Antony what did Caesar think
Quite vanquish’d him: then burst his mighty heart13;
of Brutus?
And, in his mantle muffling up his face14 ,
20 Even, at the base of Pompey’s statua15 7 Line 16: Who does ‘him’
Which all the while ran blood great Caesar fell. refer to?
O! what a fall was there, my countrymen; A Cassius
Then I, and you, and all of us fell down, B Brutus
Whilst bloody treason flourish’d over us16 . C Casca
25 O! now you weep17, and I perceive you feel
8 Line 18: Whose ‘mighty heart’
The dint of pity18; these are gracious drops.
burst?
Kind souls, what weep you when you behold19
9 Lines 20-21: Where did Caesar
Our Caesar’s vesture wounded 20? Look you here,
fall and how was the scene?
Here is himself, marr’d, as you see with traitors21 .
30 FIRST CITIZEN. O piteous spectacle! 10 Line 25: Who is weeping?
SECOND CITIZEN. O noble Caesar! 11 Lines 28-29: ‘Look you here,
THIRD CITIZEN. O woeful day! Here is himself’, who or what
FOURTH CITIZEN. O traitors! villains! does Antony present to the
FIRST CITIZEN. O most bloody sight! people?
35 SECOND CITIZEN. We will be revenged.
ALL. Revenge! – About! – Seek! – Burn! – Fire! – Kill! – Slay! 22
Let not a traitor live!

3. shed: spargerle. 14. in his mantle muffling...face: nascondendo

4. mantle: mantello. il volto nel mantello.
5. Nervii: una feroce tribù conquistata 15. Pompey’s statua: statua del generale romano,
da Cesare. antagonista di Cesare (anche lui assassinato).
6. dagger: pugnale. 16. Whilst...over us: mentre il sanguinoso
tradimento trionfava sopra di noi.
7. rent: strappo.
17. weep: piangete.
8. Casca: un altro cospiratore contro Cesare.
18. dint of pity: morso della pietà.
9. stabb’d: trafitto. 19. behold: vedete.
10. as he...away: quando tirò fuori il suo 20. vesture wounded: la veste (di Cesare) ferita.
maledetto acciaio.
21. marr’d as...traitors: straziato, come vedete,
11. As rushing...resolv’d: come si precipitasse dai traditori.
fuori di casa per assicurarsi. 22. Revenge...slay!: Vendetta! Tutt’intorno!
12. traitors’ arms: delle braccia dei traditori. Cercate! Bruciate! Incendiate! Uccidete!
13. burst...heart: si spezzò il suo grande cuore. Trucidate!

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 William Shakespeare Julius Caesar

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

OVER TO YOU

1 Answer the following questions.

1 At the end of Brutus’s speech the crowd supported him. Who does the crowd support now?
2 What is the mood of the crowd at the end of Antony’s speech? Choose.
A sad and melancholic B angry and revengeful
3 What does the crowd want to do?

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

2 Antony begins his speech to the crowd with the words: ‘If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.’
Does the crowd shed any tears during his speech?

3 Antony’s speech is very different from Brutus’s speech. What does Antony appeal to in the crowd?
Choose the correct alternative.
A their reason B their religion C their emotions

4 Brutus’s speech is in prose. What is the result of this? What was Shakespeare saying about the two men?

5 With regard to Caesar what response is Antony trying to get from the crowd in the first ten lines of his
speech? Choose the correct alternative.
A pity B anger C contempt

6 Answer the following questions.

1 What is a synonym for the ‘cursed steel’ (l. 9) Brutus used?
2 Why is Brutus’s cut ‘the most unkindest cut of all’ (l. 15)?
3 According to Antony how has Caesar’s fall (death) affected Rome and its people?
4 Why do you think Antony finally showed the crowd Caesar’s dead body?

7 Which was the most successful speech, Brutus’s or Antony’s? (Give reasons for your answer.)

8 Compare both speeches. In which speech can you find the following features?
Brutus Antony Brutus Antony
1 speaks in prose 4 incites the crowd’s emotions
2 speaks in verse 5 mourns his friend’s death
3 develops a logical argument 6 identifies himself with the crowd

DEVELOP YOUR COMPETENCE How to write and present a speech

9 How well can you prepare a speech? Divide the class into four groups. Each group must prepare a convincing
speech, of about 10-15 minutes long, on one of the following topics and then choose a spokesperson to
present it to the rest of the class. Here are some helpful tips:
1 Choose from the following topics.
• In favour of a global increase in the use of nuclear energy
• In favour of making euthanasia an individual’s free choice

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 The Renaissance and the Puritan Age
2

• In favour of banning all petrol driven vehicles

• In favour of legal adoption for singles
2 First do some research to know your topic and collect interesting statistics and relevant Information.
3 Structure your speech with an introduction, main body and conclusion.
4 Use a persuasive but clear language and do not be too technical.
5 If possible, introduce some humour.
6 Practice your speech to avoid speaking in a monotone voice. You need to be professional but also entertaining
enough to keep your audience’s attention.

10 COMPETENCE In the commentary we read how one of the themes of the play is the malleability of the
crowd, or the masses. In small groups:
• consider what makes a good speech;
• look at some famous speeches in history on the Web and say why they were successful;
• in class decide which speech you find the most successful and why.
SUMMARY

11 Complete using the words below.

brutality • ambition • emotion • stab • tears • body • necessary • people • revenge • mistake • mantle •
slaves • Brutus • freedom • shocking • bloody • emotions • reason • unjustified
The conspirators have just murdered Caesar. Brutus was the last to 1 him with his
dagger. He now speaks to the people of Rome to explain why it was 2 to eliminate
Caesar. Brutus appeals to the crowd’s 3
and speaks plainly and without
4
. He says that Caesar’s success and 5 would have resulted in him
making all Romans 6
to increase his power. He underlines that while he loved
Caesar he loves Rome and its 7 more and wanted to protect their 8 .
The crowd are convinced and believe Brutus but Brutus then makes the 9
of
inviting Antony to speak to them. From the beginning of his speech Antony appeals to the crowd’s
10
. He presents the crowd with the 11 Caesar was wearing when
he was murdered with the aim of 12 them and inciting pity for Caesar. He points
out the 13 holes where Caesar was stabbed and indicates the final, deadly hole
made by 14 . He speaks of Caesar’s love for Brutus which emphasises even more the
15
of Brutus’s action, making his the ‘unkindest cut of all.’ Antony moves the crowd
to 16 and then shocks them by presenting Caesar’s 17 , showing
Caesar as the victim whose death was wrong and 18
. By the end of Antony’s speech
the crowd are hungry for 19 and the death of all the traitors.
REVIEW

12 Answer true or false.

1 Julius Caesar is the only play by 5 Brutus hates Caesar. T F
Shakespeare about the history of Rome. T F 6 Brutus stabs Caesar last. T F
2 The main character in the play is Brutus. T F 7 Brutus’s speech is more convincing
3 Elizabethans were very interested in than Antony’s. T F
Roman history. T F 8 One of the main themes of the play
4 In Rome Caesar has obtained complete is the malleability of the people. T F
power. T F

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IN ENGLISH Practice Tests

IELTS
FCE
READING AND USE OF ENGLISH
PART 6

You are going to read an article about Richard III, one of Shakespeare’s famous villains. Six sentences
have been removed from the article. Choose from sentences A-G the one which fits each gap 1-6.
There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

Richard III, the King in the Car Park

Bringing the Past Back to Life
On 22nd August 1485 at the Battle of Bosworth King Richard III was killed by Henry Tudor’s
army. [1 ] Richard’s body was mutilated and buried in a crude grave in Greyfriar’s
Monastery in the city of Leicester. The monastery was destroyed in 1538 with Henry VIII’s
dissolution of the monasteries. [2 ]
On 24th August 2012, over 500 years later, a search began for this lost grave. This search
was carried out by the Richard III Society, led by Philippa Langley. This society was formed
in 1924 with the aim of challenging what they saw as the injustices to Richard’s reputation.
[3 ] Shakespeare depicts him as a wicked tyrant, responsible for the murders of the
two young princes in the tower. He is also described as a deformed hunchback:
‘a foul, bunch-backed toad.’ (un vile rospo con la gobba; Act IV, Scene IV, Richard III) [4 ]
After much research it was suggested that the site of Richard’s tomb could be
located beneath what was now a modern car park in the centre of Leicester.
Digging was to begin and when Philippa Langley saw a parking space
with the large letter ‘R’ on it (for Reserved parking) she decided that this
was propitious. [5 ] After much digging, under that
letter ‘R’, a skeleton was found. [6 ]
Carbon dating of the bones and DNA tests (Richard still has an
ancestor alive in Canada) finally confirmed, on 4th of February
2013, that it was, in fact, the skeleton of King Richard III! While
this astonishing discovery does confirm that his spine was
curved it cannot, however, say anything about his reputation!

A It was clear that the person had died from multiple injuries and
that there was a distinct curvature of the spine.
B There was a growing feeling of suspense.
C This finally brought the Wars of the Roses to an end.
D Was he really so bad?
E As a result Richard’s grave was lost.
F She stated that digging should begin there.
G The society also questioned the idea that he was deformed.

Richard III’s skeleton found

in a car park in Leicester.

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 2
William
Shakespeare Sonnets (1609)
W illiam Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets between 1592 and 1600,
when the theatres were closed by an outbreak of the plague.
They were published in 1609. The collection does not focus on one specific
1 Complete.
1 Number of sonnets:

person, but on two different figures: a young man and a mysterious 2 Theatres were closed
‘dark lady’. because of the
They are traditionally divided into three sections: .
• Sonnets 1-17 urge a young man to marry and have children; 3 Mainly focus on
• Sonnets 18-126 are dedicated to a young man;
• Sonnets 127-154 are dedicated to a so-called ‘dark lady’. and a mysterious
Their structure consists of 14 lines, the last two lines are a rhyming .
couplet which draws the sonnet to a conclusion or may be a contradiction 4 Traditionally divided
to the previous 12 lines, revealing the true intent of the sonnet. into sections.
Each sonnet is written in iambic pentameter, all lines having five 5 Structurally they have
lines,
stressed and five unstressed syllables.
ending with a rhyming
.
The themes 6 The couplet is either
The themes of Shakespeare’s sonnets are conventional: namely love, a
beauty, the passing of time and its effects on people and things. or
Although this conformism he deals with them with great with the previous 12 lines.
originality and depth. 7 They are all written
We know that Shakespeare did not invent the sonnet form, derived in in
fact from the Petrarchan model, but he transformed it into something =5 stressed and 5
completely new. unstressed syllables.
They are different to other sonnets written at the time for example 8 Published in .
those by Sir Philip Sidney (p. 190), as they
do not tell a story, unless you read them
as a sequence, and they rarely refer to a
specific incident or place. 2 Complete the following about
There is also no temporal perspective. Shakespeare’s sonnets.
His sonnets are predominantly an 1 Themes:
expression of internal emotions
and feelings in monologue form, 2 Sonnets are different from
a meditative moment in which other writings because
the speaker seems to be
thinking aloud. .
Since most of the sonnets are 3 Sonnets are an expression of
passionate and intense, they .
have been seen by many critics
as referring to the author’s
personal experiences, but there
is no evidence of this.

Statue of Shakespeare in
Leicester Square, London.

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BEFORE READING

1 Shakespeare wrote this and many of his sonnets to a young man.

What are your reactions to this fact?
2 This is a joyous poem. Listen to and read the poem and say how the
rhythm reflects this.

‘S hall I compare thee to a summer’s day...’ This is one of the most

famous passages in English literature, together with the soliloquy
‘To be or not to be’ from Hamlet and ‘What’s in a name? That which we
call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet’ from Romeo and
Juliet. There are several reasons which contribute to its popularity: first
its simplicity; this sonnet is more direct and straightforward than many
of the others written by Shakespeare. It is also a hymn to Shakespeare’s
originality. He begins with the conventional theme of love and the power
of poetry. He then elaborates on these themes making the friendship for
his friend immortal, as it remains forever captivated within the sonnet’s
fourteen lines.
Being part of the second group of sonnets that Shakespeare wrote, this
sonnet is dedicated to a young male. The speaker in the sonnet not only
celebrates the beauty and perfection of his friend, but he also celebrates
the power of poetry and of himself.
Nicholas Hilliard, miniature painting
of an unidentified young man, c. 1600.

AUDIO CD 1 - TR 16/MP3 16 ‘Sonnet 18’

3 Answer. Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
1 Line 1: Who is the ‘I’? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
2 Line 5: What is the Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May1 ,
‘eye of heaven’? And summer’s lease hath all too short a date2 .
3 Line 9: Who does 5 Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
the ‘thy’ refer? And often is his gold complexion dimm’d 3 ,
And ev’ry fair from fair4 sometime declines,
4 Line 12: What are
By chance or Nature’s changing course untrimmed 5;
the ‘eternal lines’?
But thy6 eternal summer shall not fade7,
5 Line 14: What does
10 Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st8;
the word ‘this’ refer to?
Nor shall Death brag thou wand’rest in his shade9,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st10 .
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee11 .

1. Rough...May: Venti tempestosi scuotono 6. thy: your.

i cari boccioli di maggio. 7. shall not fade: non appassirà.
2. And...date: E la durata dell’estate ha 8. Nor...ow’st: né perderà possesso di quella
una scadenza troppo breve. bellezza di cui sei in debito.
3. his...dimm’d: il suo aspetto dorato è 9. Nor...shade: né si vanterà la morte che tu
oscurato. vaghi nella sua ombra.
4. ev’ry...fair: ogni bellezza dalla bellezza. 10. thou grow’st: tu crescerai.
5. untrimmed: privata di ornamenti. 11. thee: you.

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UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

OVER TO YOU

1 What does the poet wonder in the first line?

2 In the second line he answers the question by saying that

3 In lines 3-6 he explains why his friend is different from a summer’s day. Explain it in your own words.

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,

And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm’d,

4 Choose the correct alternative. In lines 7-8 the poet states that
A all beautiful things are doomed to decline
B all human beings are destined to die
C poetry is immortal

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

5 In the third quatrain the poet wants to underline the differences between his friend and a summer’s day.
In line 9 he compares him again to summer, but what kind of summer is it?

6 In the following lines of the quatrain the poet suggests that his friend’s beauty, unlike the beauty
of summer, will last forever. Why?

7 What does the poet state in the final couplet?

8 Focus on the form of the sonnet. How is it structured?

9 In which lines can we find examples of personification?

10 In the final couplet all the words have only one syllable. What effect does this have relating to the message
of the poem?

11 What power is attributed to poetry?

12 Choose the correct alternative.

The poem ends on a note of
A triumph
B tragedy
C sadness

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DEVELOP YOUR COMPETENCE How to analyse a poem

13 Read the following guidelines about how to analyse a poem.
• Remember, when asked to analyse any piece of literature you should read the piece more than once!
Especially with poetry it is better to read the poem aloud.
• First identify the metrical pattern (its rhythm), marking stressed and unstressed syllables.
• Secondly, identify the rhyme scheme: is it...?
– regular (abab)
– irregular
– blank verse (no rhyme)
– free verse (no regular metre)
• Does the poet make use of any sound techniques, e.g. alliteration, onomatopeia, assonance (repeated vowel
sounds), etc.?
• What form does the poem have? Is it a sonnet? How many lines are there in each stanza?
• All of the above will help you to understand the tone or mood of the poem and will help you to arrive at the
meaning. What is the poem about?
• To reinforce your idea of meaning look at any figurative language used, e.g. metaphor, personification, symbols,
etc.
• When you feel you have understood the poem and what the poet is saying you can then form your own
interpretation. Interpretations may vary but we should not ignore the most obvious message which all of the
above points will help you to understand.

Now apply the following five points to ‘Sonnet 18’:

1 identify the metrical pattern;
2 identify the rhyme scheme;
3 identify any sound techniques;
4 identify the form of the poem;
5 identify any examples of figurative language.
SUMMARY

14 Complete.
The poem starts with a 1 addressing the friend. The poet asks if he can
2
him to a summer’s day. In line 2 the poet says what makes the young man
3
from the summer’s day and says he is 4 lovely and temperate.
The next nine lines are devoted to the description of summer days. They tend to be extreme with
5
that shake the plants. The sun is also either too 6 or too dull.
In line 8 the poet continues to speak about the defects of summer: he says it is too short and it
leads to the destructive powers of 7 , as every beautiful thing inevitably begins to
deteriorate. The poet then goes back to speaking about his friend and describes how he is different
from summer. He exalts his eternal ‘summer’, his everlasting 8 . That will not
fade but will maintain its qualities forever. In the last quatrain the poet says that
9
will not boast of his ownership as he will be preserved by the 10
which is eternal. The final couplet reinforces the idea of the eternity of poetry.

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BEFORE READING

1 Before reading and listening to the poem discuss in pairs the possible
negative consequences falling in love can have on a person, e.g. loss
of appetite. You may be able to refer to your own experiences!
2 Now read and listen to the poem and see if you can choose from the
options below which negative effect falling in love has had on the
poet/narrator.
he cannot eat
he cannot concentrate
he cannot sleep

T his is another of Shakespeare’s sonnets about love, but it is more

meditative than ‘Sonnet 18’. In ‘Sonnet 27’ the poet does not focus
on the happiness surrounding love but on the inner turmoil which love
can create.

‘Sonnet 27’ AUDIO CD 1 - TR 17/MP3 17

Weary1 with toil2 , I haste3 me to my bed, 3 Answer.

The dear repose4 for limbs5 with travel tired; 1 How does the poet feel?
But then begins a journey in my head 2 Why does he feel like this?
To work my mind, when body’s work’s expired6; 3 Where is he in this specific
5 For then my thoughts, from far where I abide7, moment?
Intend a zealous pilgrimage8 to thee,
4 What happens to him there?
And keep my drooping eyelids9 open wide
5 Line 7: What keeps the poet’s
Looking on darkness which the blind do see,
‘eyelids open wide’?
Save10 that my soul’s imaginary sight
10 Presents thy shadow to my sightless view, 6 Lines 9-12: The poet says that
Which like a jewel hung in ghastly night11 he sees something in the
Makes black night beauteous12 , and her old face new. dark, what?
Lo thus13 by day my limbs, by night my mind,
For thee, and for my self, no quiet14 find.

1. weary: stanco.
2. toil: lavoro.
3. haste: mi affretto.
4. repose: riposo.
5. limbs: arti, il corpo.
6. expired: finito. Shakespeare’s
7. abide: abito. bust in Verona.
8. zealous pilgrimage: pellegrinaggio zelante.
9. drooping eyelids: palpebre stanche.
10. save: eccetto.
11. ghastly night: notte spaventosa.
12. beauteous: bella.
13. Lo thus: per questi motivi.
14. quiet: riposo.

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UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

OVER TO YOU

1 Answer the following questions.

1 The concluding couplet describes the poet’s dilemma. What can’t he ever find?
2 The poet is ‘weary’ but he nevertheless ‘hastes’ to his bed. Why, do you think?
3 In line 3 the poet states: ‘But then begins a journey in my head’. What does he mean by this and what effect
does it have on him?
4 With his words, ‘zealous pilgrimage’ (l. 6) do you think the poet is happy to make this journey?
5 Find the lines/expressions the poet uses to give the idea of total darkness.
6 Who is the ‘thee’ and ‘thy’ of lines 6 and 10?
7 Whose ‘shadow’ does the poet see? (l. 10)

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

2 Write down the rhyme scheme of the sonnet.

3 Dividing the sonnet into four parts choose the appropriate heading for each.
1 Lines 1-4 a imagination takes over
2 Lines 5-8 b there is no peace for any lover
3 Lines 9-12 c love effects both body and mind
4 Lines 13-14 d restless thoughts cannot be controlled

4 The poet describes what he ‘sees’ in the dark but which words tell us that he doesn’t actually see anything?

5 What effect does the use of alliteration in line 7 have on the rhythm of the line and what does it emphasise
about the narrator’s present state?

And keep my drooping eyelids open wide

6 In line 8 we have an example of an oxymoron:

Looking on darkness which the blind do see.

What does this line serve to underline about the narrator? Choose the correct alternative.
A his isolation B his depression C his sadness

7 What positive effect does the image of the lover have on the ‘ghastly night’?

8 Find an example of personification in the poem.

9 As with all Shakespeare’s sonnets this is also written in iambic pentameter, but how does the rhythm of this
sonnet differ from ‘Sonnet 18? Is it slower or quicker?

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2

10 What overall effect was Shakespeare trying to achieve? (Think about the theme of the sonnet.)

20
11 DISCUSSION Discuss the following.
1 The darkness and being alone let the narrator’s imagination take over. What other consequences can the night
and darkness have on us?
2 Shakespeare’s sonnets have no titles but only numbers. Think of a suitable title you could give to this sonnet
and compare with the rest of the class.
3 Referring again to line 8, in what ways do you think the ‘blind can see’? Discuss in pairs.

12 COMPETENCE Paraphrase the sonnet in your own words continuing from line 2:

Tired from my day’s work I quickly go to my bed

Where I can rest my tired body
But...

13 Read Tolstoy’s view of Shakespeare’s works.

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

LEO TOLSTOY, 1906:

I remember the astonishment I felt when I first read Shakespeare. I expected to receive a
powerful aesthetic pleasure, but having read, one after the other, works regarded as his
best: King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Macbeth, not only did I feel no delight, but
I felt an irresistible repulsion and tedium [...] before writing this preface, being desirous
5 once more to test myself, I have, as an old man of seventy-five, again read the whole of
Shakespeare, including the historical plays [...] and I have felt, with even greater force, the
same feelings, this time, however, not of bewilderment, but of firm, indubitable conviction
that the unquestionable glory of a great genius which Shakespeare enjoys, and which compels
writers of our time to imitate him and readers and spectators to discover in him non-existent
10 merits, thereby distorting their aesthetic and ethical understanding, is a great evil, as is every
untruth.
(Source: Leo Tolstoy, Tolstoy on Shakespeare: A Critical Essay on Shakespeare,
The Project Gutenberg eBook of Tolstoy on Shakespeare, Gutenberg.org. 2009-01-07)

14 Answer the following questions.

1 Is Tolstoy complimentary or critical towards Shakespeare’s works? (Give examples from the text to back up
your answer.)
2 Underline in the passage the contrast between what Tolstoy expected to find when reading Shakespeare
and what he actually found.
3 How old was Tolstoy when he reread Shakespeare’s works?
4 What reputation does he say Shakespeare enjoys?
5 What influence does Tolstoy say Shakespeare has on writers of his time?
6 What do readers and theatre spectators find in Shakespeare, according to Tolstoy?
7 What is Tolstoy’s definition of Shakespeare’s influence?

15 DISCUSSION In pairs say what you think Tolstoy is saying in a broader sense about reputations and how
they develop and endure. Do you agree/disagree with him?

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 William Shakespeare Sonnets

16 Read Auden’s view of Shakespeare’s works.

W.H. AUDEN, 1947:

There is a continual process of simplification in Shakespeare’s plays [...] He is holding the mirror up
to nature. In the early minor sonnets he talks about his works outlasting time. But increasingly he
suggests, [...] that art is rather a bore. [...] I find Shakespeare particularly appealing in his attitude
towards his work. There’s something a little irritating in the determination of the very greatest
5 artists, like Dante, Joyce, Milton, to create masterpieces and to think themselves important.
To be able to devote one’s life to art without forgetting that art is frivolous is a tremendous
achievement of personal character. Shakespeare never takes himself too seriously.
(Source: W.H. Auden, Lectures on Shakespeare,
edited by Arthur Kirsch, Princeton University Press, Princeton (NJ) 2002)

17 DISCUSSION Can you think of any famous people whose reputations have changed over time, either in the
past or more recently? What circumstances contributed to this change? (Think also of present day ‘influencers’
and role models, etc.) Discuss.

18 Answer the following questions.

1 List three things that Auden likes about Shakespeare and his works.
2 Lines 1-2: Auden says that ‘he [Shakespeare] is holding a mirror up to nature’, what does he mean by this?
3 What does Auden say Shakespeare thought of art?
4 Does Auden agree/disagree with him? (Give evidence from the text.)
5 What does Auden find ‘irritating’ about great writers?
6 What similarities/differences, if any, can you find in what Tolstoy and Auden are saying?
7 In the work you have done on Shakespeare in this anthology and any personal experiences you may have had
of his work (seen plays/films, etc.) what is your opinion of William Shakespeare?
SUMMARY

19 Complete using the words below

mind • rest • loves • hard • night (x2) • tired • close • concentrate
The speaker, after a 1 day’s work, finally goes to bed but despite feeling very
2
he cannot sleep. Although his body can now rest, his 3 begins
to work as it is now free to 4 on the woman he 5 . His heavy eyes
will not 6 but are filled with the image of his lover, which seems to light up the
7
. In this way the speaker never has any 8 , either for his body
during the day or his mind at 9
.
REVIEW

20 Answer true or false.

1 Shakespeare’s sonnets were all 6 In the sonnets there are a lot of
published posthumously. T F biographical references. T F
2 He dedicated them to three women. T F 7 Shakespeare’s sonnets are not set
3 The sonnets are traditionally divided in a specific time or place. T F
into two groups. T F 8 ‘Sonnet 18’ is dedicated to a man. T F
4 Shakespeare dealt with very original 9 Its main theme is beauty. T F
themes in the sonnets. T F 10 It is more simple and straightforward
5 Shakespeare uses the traditional form than other sonnets. T F
of the sonnet. T F

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