Mrs.

McLean
3rd Hour
The Globe Theatre
I believe that in a great city, or even in a small city or a village, a great theater is the
outward and visible sign of an inward and probable culture (Laurence Olivier). When one hears
the words best theater, one would think of the theatre that Shakespeare performed his plays in.
Shakespeares Globe Theatre in London is the most famous theatre that has ever existed because
of its advanced architectural features and the famous plays performed within it in the past.
The Globe Theatres unique physical features made it stand above other theatres of its
time. The Globe was a typical three-story building with a diameter of around 100 feet and it
could hold up to 3,000 spectators (Rebuilding the Globe). Plays were performed on a platform
that was about 43 feet wide and 28 feet deep (Shakespeares Globe). The most prominent
physical features, however, of the Globe were the trap doors on the stage floor and on the fake
ceiling which were used for assorted stage effects (Shakespeares Globe). Using the trap doors
on the fake ceiling and the ropes hanging overhead, actors could wear a harness and make flying
entrances (Globe Theatre Special Effects). These special effects must have had an exhilarating
impact on the audience. Competition was definitely fierce, as there were no copyright laws, and
such unusual and dramatic special effects would have attracted more spectators (Globe Theatre
Flags). To sum up, the complex physical features of the Globe Theatre helped it stand over other
theatres of its time.
Another reason the Globe Theatre was so popular was the quality of the plays performed.
Shakespeare's plays have a huge impact throughout history because of the morals, themes and
wit that the plays had. Shakespeare used puns that were bawdy, witty, and even poetic.

Shakespeare combined word play with abstract thinking, and used to mask deeper, more
emotional concepts and feelings. Shakespeares plays were also very lyrical and sometimes even
had singing. Examples of how the usage of song is important are evident in plays such as A
Midsummer Night's Dream, The Tempest, and Macbeth, where Shakespeare uses singing to move
the audiences hearts (Music in Shakespeares Plays). Shakespeares plays are so popular
because of their deep morals and important themes. Examples of some of these plays are
Macbeth, which teaches about the effects of ambition without moral constraints, and Hamlet,
which shows the many uncertainties that exist in peoples lives and how things are taken for
granted when people act or evaluate one anothers actions (Sparknotes). The morals and themes
within Shakespeares plays are so universal that the plays still appeal to audiences today. All in
all, because of the wit, universal themes, lyrical lines, and songs within Shakespeares plays, The
Globe attracted more people and became the most famous theatre ever.
In conclusion, The Globe became the most famous theatre in existence thanks to the
quality of the plays performed in it and its complex physical features. And this popularity then
helped The Globe popularize theatre, which then attracted even more spectators. Even today,
people still enjoy plays and the lessons and morals the plays contain. The theatre was created to
tell people the truth about life and the social situation (Stella Adler).

Works Cited
"Globe Theatre Flags." Globe Theatre. Web. 22 Feb. 2011.
"Globe Theatre Special Effects." Globe Theatre. Web. 23 Feb. 2011.

"Music in Shakespeare's Plays." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Encyclopedia

Britannica. Web. 24 Feb. 2011.
"Original Globe." Shakespeare's Globe. The Shakespeare Globe Trust, London, 2011. Web. 24
Feb. 2011.
"Rebuilding the Globe." Shakespeare's Globe. The Shakespeare Globe Trust, London, 2011.
Web. 23 Feb. 2011.
"Shakespeare's Globe." Shakespeare's Globe. Shakespeare Resource Center, 6 Feb. 2011. Web.
24 Feb. 2011.
"SparkNotes: Hamlet: Themes, Motifs & Symbols." SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study
Guides. Web. 24 Feb. 2011.
"SparkNotes: Macbeth: Themes, Motifs & Symbols." SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study
Guides. Web. 24 Feb. 2011.