William Shakespeare
1564 - 1616
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England
William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.
“All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”
Timeline
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Married Anne Hathaway
Birth of daughter Susanna
Birth of twins Hamnet and Judith
First mentioned as a London playwright
Globe Theatre built in London
Published Sonnets
Globe Theatre burned down during a performance of Henry VIII
Died in Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Works
Notable Quote
All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players.
William Shakespeare
Influences
- Ovid
- Plutarch
- Holinshed's Chronicles
- Classical mythology
- English history
Achievements
- Considered the greatest writer in the English language
- His works have been translated into every major living language
- His plays continue to be studied, performed, and reinterpreted around the world