Introduction
In this WebQuest, you willl begin a comprehensive introduction to our next unit. This Unit will focus around the vastly popular play Hamlet, written by the literary legend, William Shakespeare. William Shakespeare is the father of an immense amount of successful literature. While his work is primarily recognized in his plays, the playwright wrote an expansive amount of poems, and other works as well. It is the goal of the WebQuest for you, the student, to learn who William Shakespeare was and to be introduced to the next unit.
Task
Your task for this assignment is to follow the links in the proceeding tab to learn more about both William Shakespeare, and his play Hamlet, which will be the prime focus of our next unit. While reading/watching the links, there is a list of questions which you will need to answer. These questions are listed under the evaluation tab. Do not take these questions lightly, this will count as a quiz grade. This exercise is meant to helpful and easy for an easy grade.
Process
1. Read the biography of William Shakespeare by following the link below:
http://www.biography.com/people/william-shakespeare-9480323
Included on this page is a video detailing similar material. You are invited to watch and listen to it as well.
2. Watch the Youtube video "Shakespeare - The History of English" by following the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMkuUADWW2A
3. Watch the Youtube videos "Enotes - Introduction to Hamlet" and "Hamlet - Themes" by following the links below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5X1I8FBGeU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9kEJcUJbgE
Evaluation
Answer the following questions in regards to the biography.com article and "Shakepeare - History of English" Youtube video:
1. According to the biography, where do scholars believe William Shakespeare most likely received his childhood education?
2. What do scholars call the seven years of Shakespeare's life after the birth of his kids where no records exist?
3. After the crowning of King James I, what did Shakespeare's acting company change its name to?
4. Most of Shakespeare's first plays were histories, with the exception of what popular play?
5. What were the four tragedies that Shakespeare wrote in his later years?
6. About how many new words and phrases were invented by William Shakespeare?
Answer the following questions in regards to the two Youtube videos focused on the play Hamlet:
1. List three of the things listed by the lady in the video that you, the reader, will encounter upon reading the play Hamlet.
2. Complete this statement from the video: "Hamlet the play has lasted becuase of Hamlet the _______."
3. How does the lady sum up the theme Existential Dilemma (6 words)?
4. List the three other themes discussed by the lady in the video.
Conclusion
Through watching these videos and reading a short biography on William Shakespeare, you should be well introduced to the common themes and history of William Shakespeare and his works. It is my hope that through this WebQuest introduction, you are now better prepared to delv into our next unit focusing on Shakespeare's Hamlet. It is also my hope that you have now become interested and, hopefully, excited about this unit. I know I am!
Credits
"Biography of William Shakespeare." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.
"Hamlet - Introduction." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.
"Hamlet - Themes." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.
"Shakespeare - The History of English (3/10)." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.