He was the son of a glover in Stratford upon Avon in Warwickshire: a respectable middle-class background.
He's setting up some background for the introduction of the main character Romeo shortly thereafter. Shakespeare does this all the time.
William Shakespeare of course, who else would have. There's always been an argument in the background that Shakespeare was the "Front Man", and the plays were actually written by someone else, with a variety of names being suggested.
It's the general information you get after reading a few books about Shakespeare's life, the history of the Tudors and 16th and 17th century lifestyle. "Background knowledge" implies a broad understanding of many issues which cannot be communicated in a brief answer or acquired by a superficial reading.
There is some scholarly debate over Shakespeare's religion. While on paper he was classified as an Anglican many of his works have Catholic Sympathies and images leading many experts to believe that Shakespeare was actually a practicing Catholic and not Anglican.
Donahue studied English literature and Shakespeare at John Carroll University in University Heights,
Charles Hurtgen has written: 'The Operatic character of background music in film adaptations of Shakespeare'
Not that we know of. But as a man with a somewhat 'rural' background he may have been able to repair his own socks.
Shakespeare's mother's name was Mary Arden. She came from a prominent local family in Stratford-upon-Avon and married John Shakespeare, a successful glover and alderman. Mary Arden's background and family connections likely influenced Shakespeare's upbringing and access to education.
John Holbrook may not approve of Shakespeare for various reasons, such as personal taste, cultural differences, or differing opinions on the themes and language in Shakespeare's work. It could also be due to Holbrook's educational background, literary preferences, or the historical context in which he is evaluating Shakespeare's writing.
Shakespeare's grandfather, Richard Shakespeare, was a farmer and also held the position of a landowner in Stratford-upon-Avon. He was involved in agriculture, which was a common occupation during that time. Additionally, some records suggest that he may have engaged in local governance, reflecting the social standing of his family. This background likely influenced William Shakespeare's upbringing and access to education.
Shakespeare used a chorus in his plays to provide background information, set the stage, or summarize events. The chorus helped engage the audience and guide them through complex storylines or historical contexts.
Mungo William MacCallum has written: 'Shakespeare's Roman plays and their background' -- subject(s): Criticism and interpretation