WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

*William Shakespeare – Biography

*Early Life*
William Shakespeare was born on *23 April 1564* in *Stratford‑upon‑Avon*, Warwickshire, England. He was the third of eight children to *John Shakespeare*, a glove‑maker and local official, and *Mary Arden*, daughter of a land‑owning family. Baptized on 26 April, scholars assume he was born a few days earlier, aligning with the baptism custom of the time. He likely attended *King’s New School*, Stratford, where he received a solid grounding in Latin, grammar, and classical literature, though no university records exist.

*Marriage and Family*
At *18*, Shakespeare married *Anne Hathaway*, eight years his senior. Anne was already pregnant; their daughter *Susanna* was born in May 1583, followed by twins *Hamnet* and *Judith* in 1585. Hamnet died at age 11 (1596), a loss that may echo in his later works.

*“Lost Years” (1585‑1592)*
Little documentation survives about his activities after the twins’ birth. By 1592, references in London pamphlets indicate he was already an actor and playwright. He probably moved to London around 1588‑1590 to join the theatre world.

*London Career*
Shakespeare became a member of *the Lord Chamberlain’s Men*, later known as *the King’s Men* under King James I. He was part‑owner of the *Globe Theatre* (built 1599) and performed many of his own plays. Between *1589‑1613* he wrote roughly *38 plays*, *154 sonnets*, two narrative poems (*“Venus and Adonis”*, *“The Rape of Lucrece”*), and several other verses.

*Major Works*
- *Comedies:* _A Midsummer Night’s Dream_, _Twelfth Night_, _Much Ado About Nothing_, _The Merchant of Venice_.
- *Histories:* _Henry V_, _Richard III_, _Julius Caesar_.
- *Tragedies:* _Hamlet_, _Macbeth_, _Othello_, _King Lear_.
- *Romances (late):* _The Tempest_, _The Winter’s Tale_.

His plays blend *rich language*, *complex characters*, and universal themes—love, jealousy, ambition, power, betrayal—making them timeless. He coined or popularized over *1,700 words/phrases* (e.g., “break the ice,” “wild‑goose chase,” “heart of gold”).

*Later Years & Death*
By *1613*, Shakespeare retired to *Stratford*, purchasing *New Place*, the town’s largest house. He died on *23 April 1616*, aged 52, and was buried in Holy Trinity Church. His wife Anne and daughters survived him; his son Hamnet had predeceased him.

*Legacy*
Shakespeare’s influence on English literature, theatre, and language is immeasurable. His works have been translated into every major language and performed more than any other playwright. Institutions like the *Royal Shakespeare Company* and countless adaptations (film, ballet, modern retellings) keep his spirit alive. Scholars still debate authorship questions, yet the consensus affirms his authorship based on contemporary records and stylistic evidence.

*Summary*
From a modest market town to the bustling Globe stage, Shakespeare transformed the English language and storytelling. His keen insight into human nature ensures his plays remain relevant across cultures and centuries.