English Flashcards
(53 cards)
What were the Wars of the Roses?
A series of civil wars fought over the throne of England between the House of Lancaster and the House of York.
When did the Wars of the Roses take place?
1455–1487.
What were the main causes of the Wars of the Roses?
Poor rule by King Henry VI, mental illness of Henry VI, defeat in the Hundred Years’ War, money problems, and issues with the feudal system.
What does the name ‘Wars of the Roses’ refer to?
The white rose symbol for the House of York and the red rose symbol for the House of Lancaster.
Who is Richard III?
The central character and villain of the play, deformed in body and twisted in mind, who aspires to the throne.
What motivates Richard III’s actions throughout the play?
His ambition for power and resentment towards those around him.
What is Richard’s relationship with Lady Anne?
He manipulates her into marrying him despite her hatred for him.
Who are the princes in Richard III?
The two young sons of King Edward IV and Queen Elizabeth, murdered by Richard.
What role does Queen Elizabeth play in Richard III?
She opposes Richard’s rise to power and is at his mercy after Edward’s death.
What is the significance of Richmond in Richard III?
He represents goodness and justice and challenges Richard for the throne.
What is the outcome of the battle against Richard III?
Richard is killed, and Richmond is crowned King Henry VII.
What is the setting of Elizabethan theatre?
Open-air theatres where plays were performed in daylight.
What were groundlings in the context of Elizabethan theatre?
Ordinary people who stood in front of the stage for the cheapest tickets.
Who were the prominent playwrights during the Elizabethan Age?
Marlowe, Johnson, and Shakespeare.
Fill in the blank: The Elizabethan period is known as the _______.
Renaissance or the Shakespearean age.
What was a key characteristic of the Elizabethan Age?
It was marked by peace, prosperity, and significant advances in drama and poetry.
What types of plays were common at the beginning of the 16th century?
Morality plays and miracle plays.
True or False: Women played roles in Elizabethan theatre.
False; women’s parts were played by boys.
What was Richard’s opening speech in Richard III about?
His discontent with the peace and his determination to prove himself as a villain.
Who is the duke of Buckingham?
Richard’s right-hand man in his schemes for power.
What is the role of the Lord Mayor of London in Richard III?
A pawn used by Richard and Buckingham in their ploy to make Richard king.
What happens to Queen Anne in Richard III?
She is murdered by Richard so he can marry young Elizabeth.
What is the significance of the ghosts in Richard’s dream?
They represent the consequences of his actions and foreshadow his downfall.
What period is known as the golden age in the history of England?
The Elizabethan period
This period is also referred to as the Renaissance or the Shakespearean age.
