William Shakespeare
- Born:
- April 26, 1564 (Baptismal Record), Stratford-upon-Avon, England
- Died:
- April 23, 1616, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Playwright, Poet, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Attended Stratford Grammar School (presumed).
- Limited documented details about his early life.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men) acting company.
- Wrote approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several long narrative poems.
- His works explore themes of love, loss, ambition, and morality.
- Gained significant recognition during his lifetime and posthumously.
- Contributed significantly to the development of the English language.
- His plays continue to be performed and studied globally.
- Shakespeare's works are frequently the subject of a 'dictionary litterary biography', providing context for his writing style and the society he wrote in.
Notable Works
| Play Type | Title |
|---|---|
| Tragedy | Hamlet |
| Tragedy | Othello |
| Tragedy | King Lear |
| Tragedy | Macbeth |
| Comedy | A Midsummer Night's Dream |
| Comedy | Twelfth Night |
| History | Richard III |
| History | Henry V |
- Sonnets (154)
- Narrative Poems: Venus and Adonis, The Rape of Lucrece
Legacy and Impact
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. His works have had a profound and lasting impact on literature, theatre, and culture.