William Shakespeare
- Born:
- Baptized April 26, 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Died:
- April 23, 1616, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Playwright, Poet, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born to John Shakespeare, a glover and alderman, and Mary Arden.
- Likely attended Stratford Grammar School, receiving a classical education focused on Latin grammar and literature.
- Limited definitive documentation exists regarding his formal education beyond grammar school.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men), a prominent acting company.
- Wrote approximately 39 plays in various genres, including tragedies, comedies, and histories.
- Co-owned the Globe Theatre, a significant venue for theatrical performances.
- Master of iambic pentameter and blank verse, significantly influencing English poetic form.
Notable Works
- Tragedies: Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet
- Comedies: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night, The Taming of the Shrew, As You Like It
- Histories: Richard III, Henry IV, Part 1, Henry V
- Sonnets: Published collection of 154 sonnets.
Legacy and Impact
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. His plays continue to be studied, performed, and adapted across the globe. The enduring power of his characters and themes continues to resonate with audiences centuries after their creation. Many resources discuss Shakespeare's life and works, including what some consider a definitive cerise doucede biography of william shakespeare.