The History of Shakespeare

The life and works of William Shakespeare have fascinated and captivated audiences for centuries. His plays and sonnets have been performed and read all over the world, and his influence on literature and culture is still felt today. But who was the man behind the works? What do we know about his life and career? In this article, we'll explore the history of Shakespeare and his lasting legacy.

Birth and Early Life

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England in April 1564. His father, John Shakespeare, was a successful glove-maker and wool trader, while his mother, Mary Arden, was a member of a wealthy local family. It is believed that Shakespeare attended the local grammar school, where he would have learned Latin, rhetoric, and classical literature.

At the age of 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years his senior. The couple had three children: a daughter Susanna, and twins Judith and Hamnet.

London and the Theater

By 1592, Shakespeare had moved to London to pursue a career in the theater. There, he joined one of the city's leading theater companies, the Lord Chamberlain's Men. During this period, he wrote several of his most famous plays, including Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Shakespeare was also an actor and producer. He was a major shareholder in the Globe theatre, which opened in 1599 and was the venue for many of his plays.

Later Life and Death

By the early 1600s, Shakespeare had become a wealthy man and retired to Stratford-upon-Avon. In 1616, he died at the age of 52 and was buried in the chancel of the Holy Trinity Church.

In his will, he left the bulk of his estate to his daughter Susanna and her husband, the physician John Hall. He also bequeathed his “second-best bed” to his widow, Anne.

Legacy

Shakespeare's plays and sonnets have been performed and read around the world for centuries. His works were hugely influential, inspiring countless authors and playwrights. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time, and his influence on literature and culture is still felt today.

In addition to his plays and sonnets, Shakespeare wrote several narrative poems, including Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece. He is also credited with inventing hundreds of words, such as “bedroom” and “eyeball.”

Shakespeare's legacy is one of timelessness and universality. His works continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of readers, writers, and scholars. He is an essential part of our cultural heritage, and his legacy will continue to endure for centuries to come.