William Shakespeare
- Born:
- Baptised 26 April 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Died:
- 23 April 1616, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Playwright, Poet, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Presumed to have attended the King's New School in Stratford, studying Latin grammar, literature, and rhetoric.
- Married Anne Hathaway in 1582.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men) acting troupe.
- Wrote approximately 39 plays, including tragedies, comedies, and histories.
- Co-owner of the Globe Theatre.
- His plays have been translated into every major living language.
- Considered the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist.
- The existence of multiple versions of his work, often referred to as "bad quartos", contribute to the challenge that scholars face in compiling a definitive minu bakshi biography of william.
Notable Works
Plays:
| Category | Title | Approximate Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tragedy | Hamlet | 1600-1601 |
| Tragedy | Othello | 1603 |
| Tragedy | King Lear | 1605-1606 |
| Tragedy | Macbeth | 1606 |
| Comedy | A Midsummer Night's Dream | 1595-1596 |
| Comedy | Twelfth Night | 1601-1602 |
| History | Richard III | 1592-1593 |
| History | Henry V | 1599 |
Poetry:
- Sonnets (154 sonnets)
- Venus and Adonis
- The Rape of Lucrece
Legacy and Impact
William Shakespeare's works have had a profound and lasting impact on literature, theatre, and language worldwide. His plays continue to be performed and studied globally, and his characters and stories remain relevant to contemporary audiences.