Interesting Facts About William Shakespeare

Interesting Facts About William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is one of the most renowned playwrights and poets of all time. He wrote an impressive 37 plays and 154 sonnets, crafting some of the most iconic works in the English language. His influence on the world of literature and theatre is unparalleled. But there is much more to Shakespeare than his plays and sonnets. Here are some interesting facts about the man and his work.

1. His Birthplace

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 1564. He was the third of eight children born to John and Mary Arden Shakespeare.

2. His Education

Shakespeare had a grammar school education, which was typical for boys of his social class. He attended the King’s New School in Stratford from about the age of 7 to 14. Though there is no evidence of him attending university, it is likely he was tutored privately.

3. His Career

Shakespeare became an actor and playwright in London in the late 1580s. He was part of the famous Lord Chamberlain’s Men theatre company, which later became the King’s Men. He wrote the majority of his plays between 1590 and 1613 and achieved great success as a playwright during his lifetime.

4. His Use of Language

Shakespeare is renowned for his masterful use of language. He had an impressive vocabulary and was the first to use many words and phrases that we still use today such as “frugal”, “puking”, “frugal”, “unreal”, and “hurry”. He also invented words such as “fantastic”, “dwindle”, “lonely”, and “eyeball”.

5. His Writing Style

Shakespeare wrote in a variety of styles, such as sonnets, iambic pentameter, blank verse, and prose. He was also known for his wordplay and use of puns and double entendres.

6. His Works

Shakespeare wrote 37 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. His plays were divided into three categories: comedies, histories, and tragedies. His most famous works include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

7. His Death

Shakespeare died in 1616 at the age of 52. The cause of his death is unknown, but it is speculated that he died of natural causes.

Conclusion

William Shakespeare is one of the most iconic writers in the English language. His works have shaped the way we think and speak today. His influence is still felt in the world of literature and theatre and his works are still performed and studied today. From his birthplace to his writing style, there is much to discover about the life and works of William Shakespeare.