William Shakespeare Webquest
William Shakespeare is considered the greatest playwright of all time. Yet today,
400 years later, controversy still surrounds the question of whether he is the true
author of his plays and sonnets. As you investigate the information surrounding
this controversy, you will objectively determine whether Shakespeare is innocent
or guilty of these charges of plagiarism.
The Task
William Shakespeare lived from 1564 to 1616 during the Elizabethan Age.
England was experiencing a renaissance, and many considered it the greatest
power in the world. Science and Technology continued to advance as England
began to explore North America. Moreover, the language was growing fast, and
the arts and literature were more popular than ever before. These new scientific
discoveries quickly changed the world and commerce was thriving.
The playwright William Shakespeare reaped the benefits of this prosperous time
period. His plays were performed as quickly as he could produce them. Yet,
rumors stated that he was not the author of his plays.
Now 400 years later, his reputation is in your hands. You will be asked to collect
and analyze information to determine the legitimacy of his authorship in a court
of law. Be careful of your decision; it may change all of history.
During the investigation, you will visit several places to collect information so
that you can make an educated decision. Unfortunately, due to the sensitivity of
this subject matter, most of your investigation will be restricted. Many of your
searches will be conducted via a laptop computer in one of the historical
buildings of Stratford-Upon-Avon, England.
The Process
Step 1: Because you will be staying at Shakespeare's birth place, Stratford-UponAvon, you now must select the building you will occupy during the
investigation.
* Print out the picture of the building you have chosen. It will be turned in
with your evidence folder at the end of the investigation.
This source may assist you in step 1.
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (http://www.shakespeare.org.uk) Information on trustmaintained houses, books, records, museums, and a listing of events, including
visitor locations in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Step 2: Take a trip through England Online.
* Find three Elizabethan/Shakespearian pictures on the internet that appeal to
you. Print out those pictures and write a short story about them. Your story
must be focused on Shakespeare, his family, friends or lovers.
* Put the story in your investigation folder.
Step 3: Elizabethan laws
*Find two Elizabethan laws or practices dealing with plagiarism, copyright
dates or ownership that you find silly or strange and revise them. Include six to
eleven sentences explaining why these laws or practices should be revised.
*Place findings in investigation folder.
Step 4: William Shakespeare's authorship information
* Find at least 25 facts (type them) about Shakespeare's life which relate to the
authorship issue.
* Make a T-Chart of your information. On one side place the information which
proves he is the author of his works; on the other side place the information
which proves he is not the author of his works.
Step 5: Wow!!! A time machine has just been invented which will transport you
back to Shakespeare's time. But first you must find a costume to wear in order to
conceal your identify to the Elizabethans. Fortunately, Google Images has plenty
of choices.
* Go to the site, select a costume, print up the picture of the costume.
* On the back of the picture, write an explanation as to why you chose that
costume.
* Place the picture in your evidence folder. When you enter the time machine,
you will be wearing the costume you have chosen.
Step 6: You are now transported back in time somewhere between 1558 and
1603. In England, you will find the answers to the following questions.
* Who is the ruler during this time period?
* What is the political mood in the country?
* What kind of food do people eat?
* Do people appear happy with their lives or disgruntled? Why?
* What is William Shakespeare doing?
* Are any of his plays playing?
* What do people do for livings during this time?
* What do people do for entertainment?
* List 20 more additional facts about the Elizabethans.
*Place the facts in your folder.
Step 7: Find Shakespeare's famous Globe Theatre. Go on a tour of the theatre.
* Search Globe Theatre virtual tour.
* In a descriptive paragraph, paint a word picture of the Globe Theatre.
* Print out three of your favorite pictures of the theatre to be included with your
paragraph.
*Place in folder.
Step 8: Compile your information and objectively decide whether or not you
believe William Shakespeare is the author of his works. Write a three to four
page persuasive argument in Modern Language Association format supporting
your opinion. Be ready to present your findings to the judge and jury.
Evaluation As you complete each step, place the finished product into your
evidence folder titled Shakespeare Webquest. Upon completion of the final step,
turn in your evidence folder to the judge. Each activity will be graded based on
the effort and depth of research, creativity, and accuracy of information. The
depth of your research will be reflected in how objective your final product and
concluding decision is on Shakespeare's authorship.
Rubric: Total Points Possible:
Step 1: Printout of Stratford-upon-Avon accommodations 10/15
Step 2: Three pictures with accompanying story 25/75
Does the story include Shakespeare, his family, friends or lovers?
Is the story relevant to the time, place and event which surrounded Shakespeare?
Does the story have correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation?
Step 3: Revised laws 20/30
Correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Six to eleven sentences of explanation.
Step 4: T-chart of Shakespeare's authorship 20/30
Are the facts related to Shakespeare's authorship.
Are there at least 25 relevant facts in the chart.
Step 5: Printout of costume for time travel and explanation of costume choice.
10/15
Step 6: Time Travel Questions 20/30
Correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Correct answers.
Twenty additional facts on Elizabethans.
Step 7: Globe Theatre tour 20/30
Three printouts of Globe Theatre.
Descriptive paragraph on the Globe Theatre.
Correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Step 8: Final Persuasive Argument Essay 25/75
Title Page
Correct essay format
Correct sentence structure
Correct spelling, grammar and punctuation
Typed, double spaced, 12 font