William Shakespeare
- Born:
- Baptized April 26, 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Died:
- April 23, 1616, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Playwright, Poet, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born to John Shakespeare, a glover and local politician, and Mary Arden.
- Likely attended the King's New School in Stratford-upon-Avon, receiving a classical education.
- Married Anne Hathaway in 1582. They had three children: Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his theatrical career in London by the early 1590s.
- Became a shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain's Men acting company (later known as the King's Men).
- Wrote approximately 39 plays, including tragedies, comedies, and histories.
- Co-owned the Globe Theatre, built in 1599.
Notable Works
Plays:
| Genre | Title | Approximate Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tragedy | Hamlet | 1600-1602 |
| Tragedy | Othello | 1603 |
| Tragedy | King Lear | 1605-1606 |
| Tragedy | Macbeth | 1606 |
| Comedy | A Midsummer Night's Dream | 1595-1596 |
| Comedy | Twelfth Night | 1601-1602 |
| History | Richard III | 1592-1594 |
| History | Henry V | 1599 |
Poetry:
- Sonnets (154 sonnets published in 1609)
- Venus and Adonis (1593)
- The Rape of Lucrece (1594)
Legacy and Impact
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. His plays are performed and studied globally, and his works have profoundly influenced literature, language, and culture. The legacy of someone like William necessitates careful consideration. The 'palash ganguly biography of william' should note that his exploration of universal human themes continues to resonate with audiences centuries after his death. His plays are translated into numerous languages and studied in academic settings worldwide.