English literature
The Globe Theatre and the Legacy of Shakespeare
Samra Shaikh
Year 10 B
Index
1. Acknowledgment
2. Brief History of the Globe Theatre
3. Famous Plays Performed
4. Actors & Characters
5. Themes in Shakespeare’s Works
6. Social & Political Issues
7. Prejudice in Shakespeare’s Plays
8. Reflection
9. Bibliography
Acknowledgment
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my teacher for
providing the opportunity to explore such a rich and inspiring
topic. I also thank my family for their support and
encouragement, and the numerous authors and researchers
whose works have been referenced in this project.
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1
Brief History of the Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre was originally built in 1599 by the
playing company the Lord Chamberlain's Men, to which
William Shakespeare belonged. Located on the south bank
of the River Thames in London, the theatre became a
cultural landmark of the Elizabethan era.
The original Globe was a wooden structure with three
stories and could house around 3,000 spectators. It was
destroyed by fire in 1613 during a performance of *Henry
VIII*, rebuilt in 1614, and eventually demolished in 1644
after the Puritan government ordered the closure of all
theatres in 1642.
In 1997, a modern reconstruction of the Globe, known as
"Shakespeare's Globe," opened to the public just a few
hundred yards from the original site. This theatre serves as
both a performing arts venue and an educational center,
keeping the legacy of Shakespeare alive in modern times.
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2
Famous Plays Performed
Numerous iconic plays have graced the stage of the Globe:
- *Hamlet* – Known for its introspective protagonist and the famous "To be,
or not to be" soliloquy. It was a favorite among audiences for its blend of
philosophy, revenge, and psychological complexity.
- *Macbeth* – A psychological exploration of ambition and guilt. Its
supernatural elements and dark themes captivated Jacobean audiences.
- *Othello* – A powerful tragedy dealing with jealousy and manipulation. It
highlighted issues of race and trust.
- *King Lear* – A complex study of power, loyalty, and madness. The
descent of Lear into madness mirrored anxieties about kingship.
- *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* – A comedic masterpiece blending fantasy
with human folly. Often performed during festive occasions.
- *Twelfth Night* – A romantic comedy revolving around mistaken identity
and gender roles. Popular for its humor and exploration of love.
- *Julius Caesar* – A political drama with themes of betrayal, honor, and
rhetoric. Frequently staged due to its engaging crowd scenes.
- *The Tempest* – Performed as one of his later works, it symbolized
themes of forgiveness and colonialism, often considered Shakespeare’s
farewell to the stage.
These plays not only captivated Elizabethan audiences but continue to
influence literature and performance globally. Their timeless relevance is a
testament to Shakespeare’s deep understanding of human nature.
3
Actors & Characters
Originally, all roles were played by men and boys due to the
restriction on female performers. Notable actors included:
- **Richard Burbage** – Originated many of Shakespeare’s
tragic leads like Hamlet, Othello, and King Lear. Burbage
was known for his deep emotional range and dramatic
delivery.
- **Will Kemp** – A comedic actor known for roles like
Bottom in *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* and Falstaff.
Famous for his improvisation and physical comedy.
- **Nathan Field** – A celebrated boy actor who later
became renowned for playing romantic leads such as
Posthumus (*Cymbeline*) and Ferdinand (*The Tempest*).
- **John Lowin** – Played later Shakespearean roles such as
Falstaff and Henry VIII.
**Characters across Shakespeare’s works often shared traits
or mirrored each other:**
- **Hamlet** and **Brutus** (from *Julius Caesar*) both
grapple with moral dilemmas and the burden of
decision-making.
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- **Lady Macbeth** and **Iago** share manipulative traits,
driving others toward destruction.
- **Rosalind** (from *As You Like It*) and **Viola** (from
*Twelfth Night*) both disguise themselves as men, explore
freedom, and exhibit sharp wit and emotional depth.
- **Shylock** (from *The Merchant of Venice*) and
**Caliban** (from *The Tempest*) are complex outcasts
who evoke both sympathy and discomfort.
- **Emilia** (from *Othello*) and **Paulina** (from *The
Winter’s Tale*) show strength, moral clarity, and courage in
male-dominated environments.
- **Edmund** (from *King Lear*) and **Don John** (from
*Much Ado About Nothing*) embody the "bastard villain"
archetype, bitter and manipulative.
Hidden gems include:
- **Timon** (from *Timon of Athens*) – A wealthy Athenian
betrayed by sycophants, turning into a misanthrope.
- **Marina** (from *Pericles*) – A symbol of purity and
forgiveness amidst loss and despair.
- **Helena** (from *All’s Well That Ends Well*) – A clever
and determined woman who challenges traditional gender
expectations.
5
Themes in Shakespeare’s Works
Recurring themes create a thread that binds his plays
together:
- **Fate and Free Will** – Seen in *Macbeth*, *Romeo and
Juliet*, and *Julius Caesar*, where characters struggle with
destiny versus choice.
- **Ambition and Power** – Central to *Macbeth*, *Richard
III*, and *King Lear*, portraying the corrupting influence of
unchecked ambition.
- **Deception and Identity** – Explored in *Twelfth Night*,
*The Tempest*, and *Much Ado About Nothing*, where
mistaken identity leads to comedy or tragedy.
- **Love and Betrayal** – *Othello*, *Hamlet*, and *Antony
and Cleopatra* explore the pain of broken trust and love’s
power to destroy.
- **Madness and Sanity** – Prominent in *Hamlet*, *King
Lear*, and *Titus Andronicus*, often blurring the line
between genuine insanity and performance.
- **Revenge and Justice** – *Titus Andronicus* and
*Hamlet* delve into the ethics and consequences of
revenge.
6
**Social & Political Issues**
Shakespeare's plays reflect contemporary societal concerns:
- **Monarchy and Legitimacy** – *Henry IV*, *Richard II*, and
*Macbeth* explore the divine right of kings and challenges to
authority.
- **Colonialism** – *The Tempest* critiques European
colonization through the dynamic between Prospero and
Caliban.
- **Gender Roles** – Strong female characters like **Portia**
(*The Merchant of Venice*), **Beatrice** (*Much Ado About
Nothing*), and **Lady Macbeth** challenge norms of femininity.
- **Class Conflict** – *Coriolanus*, *Timon of Athens*, and *The
Taming of the Shrew* examine tensions between nobles and
commoners, and between wealth and virtue.
- **War and Honor** – *Henry V* and *Troilus and Cressida*
dissect the costs and heroism of war.
Prejudice in Shakespeare’s Plays
Shakespeare often highlighted the injustices of his time:
- **Racial Bias** – In *Othello*, the titular Moor is constantly
reminded of his otherness. Roderigo and Iago use racial slurs,
showcasing the xenophobia of the time.
- **Gender Inequality** – Women like Desdemona, Ophelia, and
Lavinia are victims of male control and societal expectations.
Even strong women are often forced into silence.
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- **Class Prejudice** – Characters such as Caliban, Bottom, and
the Gravedigger in *Hamlet* are depicted with humor or disdain
but also reveal profound truths.
- **Religious Intolerance** – *The Merchant of Venice*'s
portrayal of Shylock reveals both Elizabethan anti-Semitism and
the humanity of a reviled figure.
- **Ableism** – Richard III's deformity is repeatedly referenced
as a sign of moral corruption, reflecting Elizabethan attitudes
toward physical difference.
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Reflection
Working on this project deepened my appreciation for the richness of
Shakespeare's work and the enduring legacy of the Globe Theatre. His ability to
blend intricate characters, timeless themes, and relevant social commentary
continues to inspire and provoke thought. This research not only enhanced my
understanding of literature but also revealed how deeply art and society are
intertwined.
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8
Bibliography
- Greenblatt, Stephen. *Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became
Shakespeare.*
- Shapiro, James. *1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare.*
- The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (www.shakespeare.org.uk)
- British Library: Shakespeare's Works and Globe Theatre Archive
- Royal Shakespeare Company: Actor Biographies and Performances
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Globe Theatre
- Folger Shakespeare Library (www.folger.edu)
- Norton Shakespeare Anthology
- BBC Bitesize: Shakespeare Themes and Characters
