Episode 1 - The Bicks Do Shakespeare: An Overview

In our first episode Aidan and Lindsay discuss the life and times of William Shakespeare. From his birth in 1564, through his early years, and on into his career triumphs, eventual death, and legacy. Along the way we'll also be talking about English history, the political and social situation Shakespeare found himself in, and the state of the English language at the time. While today's episode includes only a minor amount of bickering, we want to set the groundwork for the discussions to come!

Notes:

A Groatsworth of Wit is popularly considered the first mention of Shakespeare as a writer in the London stage.

Shakespeare in Original Pronunciation

The Great Vowel Shift, in handy visual form (though you still need a linguistics minor [at least] to understand it):

James VI and I's Daemonologie, published in 1597 in Scotland and 1603 in England.

Sound clips: 

"Et tu, Brute?" from Community, Season 5 Episode 2, "Introduction to Teaching"

"There are more things in heaven and earth..." from Hamlet (2000)

"It is a tale told by an idiot..." from Macbeth (1983)

"All the world's a stage..." from As You Like It (1978)

"Double, double, toil and trouble..." from Macbeth (1983)

"Once more unto the breach dear friends..." from Henry V (1989)

"Parting is such sweet sorrow..." from Romeo and Juliet (1996)