Writer’s Profile: William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare (1564–1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is widely considered the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. Often called the ‘Bard of Avon’, Shakespeare’s works remain the most frequently performed and studied of any playwright in history.
Personal Profile
- Birth: Traditionally observed on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon. He was baptized on April 26.
- Death: April 23, 1616 (aged 52) in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Family: Married Anne Hathaway at age 18. They had three children: Susanna and twins Hamnet and Judith.
- Education: Likely attended the King’s New School in Stratford, focusing on Latin and classical literature. He did not attend university.
Professional Career
- The London Scene: By 1592, Shakespeare was an established actor and playwright in London.
- Theatrical Companies: He was a founding member and shareholder of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, which later became the King’s Men under James I.
- Entrepreneurship: He was a part-owner of the Globe Theatre (built 1599) and the Blackfriars indoor theatre.
- Retirement: Shakespeare returned to Stratford around 1613 as a wealthy landowner.
Literary Legacy
Shakespeare’s work includes approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several long narrative poems. His plays are generally categorized into three main genres:
- Tragedies: Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet.
- Comedies: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice.
- Histories: Henry IV (Parts 1 & 2), Henry V, Richard III.
- Romances/Tragicomedies: Late-career works like The Winter’s Tale and The Tempest.
