Year 8: Midsummer Nights Dream

Below is a "character map" of how the characters interact with each other.

The below links will take you some info on the words and language that Shakespeare used. 

When Shakespeare was alive (about 450 years ago, 1564 - 1616) life was quite different. These are some things to think about.

• Women could not act on stage. All female roles were acted by men. Women generally did not go to school.
• People emptied their chamber pots (pots where you went to the toilet) and rubbish into the streets.
• London Bridge was the only bridge connecting the 2 sides of London and heads of executed traitors were impaled on its gates.
• Bear baiting (bears tied by a chain were teased and taunted) was common in London and loved by many spectators.
• Public executions were common: about 1000 hangings per year. 
• Drinkable water was a luxury and most people drank a weak beer or ale.
• Life expectancy was 35 years of age.
• The Bubonic Plague or Black Death broke out several times during Shakespeare's life.
• The general population were very superstitious and believed in witches.

Royal Shakespeare Company animation: A look at the play and it gives you a good idea of the storyline.

Watch the 1999 version of the film. Great cast!! You will need to be logged in the GGS portal.

Enjoy watching this episode of UPSTART CROW, a very funny and clever look at Will Shakespeare and his life.

Watch after seeing the movie and discovering more about the play and Shakespeare. David Mitchell acts as Shakespeare: he is also the writer of the script.  

If you have trouble viewing this follow this link: https://clickv.ie/w/Y0xn

Follow the links to discover more about the life of William Shakespeare.