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William Shakespeare: A Brief Biography

William Shakespeare: A Brief Biography

Early Life and Family:

  • Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, baptized on April 26, 1564, William Shakespeare was the son of John Shakespeare, a successful glover, and Mary Arden, from an affluent landowning family.
  • He was the third of eight children and the eldest surviving son.

Education and Marriage:

  • Though no records of his attendance survive, Shakespeare likely received education at the King’s New School in Stratford, providing a foundation in grammar and Latin.
  • At the age of 18, he married Anne Hathaway, who was 26. They had three children: Susanna and twins Hamnet and Judith.

Career in Theatre:

  • Between 1585 and 1592, Shakespeare began his career in London as an actor, writer, and part-owner of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later known as the King’s Men.
  • His early plays were primarily comedies and histories, later transitioning to tragedies like “Hamlet,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Othello,” “King Lear,” and “Macbeth.”
  • Shakespeare’s works were performed by his company and published in various editions during his lifetime.

Later Years and Death:

  • Shakespeare retired to Stratford around 1613, where he invested in property and lived with his family.
  • He died on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52, leaving behind a significant literary legacy.
  • Shakespeare was buried in the chancel of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, where a memorial plaque commemorates him.

Legacy:

  • Shakespeare’s works continue to be celebrated for their universal themes, rich characters, and linguistic brilliance.
  • He is regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in the English language, with his plays performed and studied worldwide.
  • Numerous statues, monuments, and memorials honor Shakespeare’s life and contributions to literature and theatre.
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