Conclusion
You have now completed your exploration of Shakespearean theatre and the Elizabethan world from which he drew his inspiration. You have brought the Bard's plays forward in time and made them your own. Here are some questions for reflection:
In what ways was this lesson effective?
Are Shakespeare's plays and themes relevant for today's audience? What evidence do you have for your conclusion?
Did you find the lesson meaningful and worth completing?
I encourage you to continue to research this remarkable period in art history as well as world history. Here are some other interesting sites that may be useful:
Legends: Swashbucklers and Fops - A site on period sword fighting.
http://www.legends.dm.net/swash/rapier.html
Shakespeare wrote during the Renaissance (which means "rebirth" in French) and took place largely during the 15th and 16th centuries. You may also want to research Renaissance theatre in Italy (Commedia dell'arte), as well as the work of Spanish playwright Miguel de Cervantes and the French playwright Moliere.
There were other playwrights of note in Elizabethan theatre, writing during roughly the same period as Shakespeare. You should investigate Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson.
Enjoy your continued journey into the exciting world of theatre.