William Shakespeare, often hailed as the greatest playwright of all time, has left an indelible mark on literature and the English language. Hailing from the Elizabethan era, his works have transcended centuries and continue to be performed and celebrated around the world.
More than just a playwright, Shakespeare was a poet, actor, and a true master of words whose influence is as relevant today as it was in the 16th and 17th centuries.
In this article, we will explore some facts about William Shakespeare that contribute to our understanding of this literary icon.
William Shakespeare Facts
1. William Shakespeare’s Birth and Early Life in Stratford-upon-Avon
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April 1564, although the exact date is not known. His baptism is recorded as being on April 26, which leads many to believe he was born on April 23.
Raised in a middle-class family, he was one of eight children.
His father, John Shakespeare, was a successful glove maker and alderman, and his mother, Mary Arden, came from a family of high social standing.
2. William Shakespeare’s Marriage to Anne Hathaway and His Children
At the age of 18, William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years his senior. The couple had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith.
Hamnet, Shakespeare’s only son, tragically died at the age of 11. His life and death are often a subject of speculation when discussing Shakespeare’s plays that deal with the loss of a child.
3. The Vast Collection of William Shakespeare’s Plays and Poetic Works
William Shakespeare penned approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several poems. His plays are commonly divided into comedies, tragedies, and histories, each demonstrating his versatile storytelling ability.
Shakespeare’s works have been translated into every major language and are performed more than those of any other playwright.
4. The Globe Theatre and William Shakespeare’s Association with It
The Globe Theatre in London is famously associated with William Shakespeare. He was not only a playwright for the Globe but also one of its shareholders.
Built in 1599, the Globe Theatre staged many of Shakespeare’s plays and even burned down once during a performance of “Henry VIII.”
It was rebuilt in 1614 and continued to be an influential stage until its closure in 1642.
5. The Lost Years of William Shakespeare’s Life
There is a period in Shakespeare’s life, from 1585 to 1592, often referred to as his ‘lost years’ because there is very little documentary evidence of his activities during this time. Some speculate that he might have been working as a teacher.
Others suggest that he could have been traveling around England as a member of a theatre group.
Whatever he was doing during these years undoubtedly shaped his writing and his knowledge of the human condition.
6. The Use of the Iambic Pentameter in William Shakespeare’s Writing
William Shakespeare famously used iambic pentameter in his writing. This rhythm of unstressed and stressed syllables gave a natural flow to his verse, replicating the natural patterns of English speech.
The iambic pentameter is found throughout Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets. It is particularly prominent in his soliloquies, which have become some of the most famous passages in English literature.
7. William Shakespeare’s Influence on the English Language
The impact of William Shakespeare on the English language cannot be understated. He is credited with inventing over 1,700 words that are commonly used today.
Phrases like “break the ice,” “green-eyed monster,” and “heart of gold” all originate from his works. His inventive language and new expressions enriched English, making it more expressive and colorful.
8. The Mystery Surrounding William Shakespeare’s Authorship
Debate surrounds the authorship of Shakespeare’s works, with some questioning whether he was indeed the writer.
Conspiracy theories attribute his body of work to other contemporary writers or groups of writers.
However, most scholars agree that Shakespeare did indeed write his plays and sonnets. Solid historical and literary evidence supports Shakespeare’s authorship, although the conversation continues in academic circles.
9. The Posthumous Publication of William Shakespeare’s First Folio
The first collected edition of William Shakespeare’s plays, known as the First Folio, was published in 1623, seven years after his death. Without this First Folio, many of Shakespeare’s plays might have been lost.
The First Folio includes 36 plays, 18 of which had never been printed before. It remains a primary source for texts of his plays and is a major cultural artifact from the early seventeenth century.
10. The Varying Spelling of William Shakespeare’s Name Over Time
The spelling of William Shakespeare’s name has varied over time and in different documents. The Bard himself was inconsistent with spelling, as was typical of the Elizabethan era.
Shakespeare’s name appears spelled in numerous ways in contemporary documents, from “Shappere” to “Shaxberd.”
Even signatures on his will and various legal documents differ, a common occurrence when orthography rules were not standardized.
11. The Final Resting Place of William Shakespeare in Holy Trinity Church
William Shakespeare was buried in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he was baptized. His epitaph on his tombstone warns against moving his bones, a common fear in that period due to frequent grave robberies.
The church remains a pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts and Shakespeare scholars.
It is an enduring monument to the playwright’s life and legacy, capturing centuries of reverence for his work.
FAQs
Why is William Shakespeare considered such an important figure in literature?
William Shakespeare is considered pivotal in literature because he transformed European theatre by expanding expectations about what could be accomplished through characterization, plot, language, and genre.
His richly layered plays and sonnets offer profound insights into the human condition which resonate even centuries later.
What are some themes commonly found in William Shakespeare’s works?
Common themes in Shakespeare’s works include love, power, jealousy, betrayal, and the supernatural.
These themes are universal and continue to be relevant, allowing his plays to be adaptable across various cultures and eras. His exploration of the complexities of the human experience makes his work timeless.
Did William Shakespeare write his plays and sonnets for a specific audience?
William Shakespeare wrote for an audience that was incredibly diverse, ranging from the royal court to the common public.
His genius lay in crafting plays that appealed to both the educated elite and the general populace, often including both highbrow and lowbrow elements within the same work.
This broad appeal is part of what has made his works survive and thrive for so long.
How has modern theatre been influenced by William Shakespeare?
Modern theatre owes a great deal to the structures, character archetypes, and themes introduced by William Shakespeare. His use of complex characters and ethical dilemmas paved the way for modern drama.
Moreover, his innovations in staging and audience engagement have informed contemporary theatrical practices, making him an enduring figure in theatre history.
Did William Shakespeare collaborate with other writers of his time?
It is believed that William Shakespeare did collaborate with other playwrights of his era, which was a common practice.
Recent scholarship has suggested that some of his later plays were co-authored with writers like John Fletcher and Thomas Middleton.
These collaborations reflect the dynamic and interactive nature of Elizabethan theatre.
How are William Shakespeare’s plays relevant to today’s society?
William Shakespeare’s plays remain relevant in today’s society as they continue to explore themes such as love, loss, ambition, power, and the human struggle, which are still pertinent.
As human nature has not fundamentally changed, modern audiences can identify with the characters and situations he depicted.