When one hears the name 'Shakespeare', many images may come to mind. Perhaps it's clever wordplay, eloquent speeches, tragic heroes, conniving villains, complicated love triangles, or star-crossed lovers. All of these can be found in the works of William Shakespeare, a renowned writer from England during the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras.
William Shakespeare was born and baptized on April 26th, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. His mother was the daughter of a landowner and his father was a local businessman. At the age of 18, he married his cousin, Anne Hathaway, who was eight years older than him. They had three children together: Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith. After getting married, Shakespeare spent most of his time in London, where he wrote and performed in his plays. He even became a part-owner of a theatre company, first known as Lord Chamberlain's Men and later changed its name to The King's Men. On April 23rd, 1616, at the age of 52, Shakespeare passed away in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, leaving behind a legacy of 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and over 30 plays.
"These violent delights have violent endsAnd in their triumph die, like fire and powderWhich as they kiss, consume."- Friar Laurence, Act 2, Scene 6, Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet is set in the city of Verona and tells the tragic story of two young lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, who are from rival families. Despite their families' feud, they marry in secret and plan to run away together. However, their plans go awry and their tragic love story ends in their untimely deaths. Did you know that the popular musical, West Side Story, is based on the plot of Romeo and Juliet but set in 1950s New York?
"To be, or not to be? That is the question:Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to sufferThe slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,Or to take arms against a sea of troublesAnd by opposing end them."- Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1
Hamlet is Shakespeare's longest play, set in Denmark, and follows the young prince, Hamlet, as he seeks revenge on his uncle, Claudius, for murdering his father. This play remains one of Shakespeare's most popular works and has been portrayed by numerous famous actors both on stage and on screen, such as Laurence Olivier, Mel Gibson, Kenneth Brannagh, and David Tennant.
"Our bodies are our gardens, to which our wills are gardeners."- Iago, Act 1, Scene 3, Othello
Othello is set in Cyprus during the Ottoman-Venetian War (1570-1573) and tells the story of Othello, a general in the Venetian army. He is manipulated by the villainous Iago, who fuels him with jealous thoughts. This eventually leads to Othello's tragic downfall as he kills his wife, Desdemona, and then takes his own life. Throughout the play, Othello is referred to as a 'Moor', which was a term used in Roman times to describe citizens of North Africa, but later came to have different meanings. In the context of the play, Othello is called a 'Moor' due to his dark skin, which marks him as an outsider and causes him to face discrimination.
"When we are born, we cry that we are comeTo this great stage of fools."- Lear, Act 4, Scene 5, King Lear
King Lear is a tragedy based on the legend of King Leir of the Britons. The play follows an elderly King Lear as he descends into madness and poverty. Tired of ruling, he divides his kingdom between his two deceitful daughters and banishes his honest daughter, Cordelia. This leads to a series of unfortunate events that ultimately result in the deaths of his entire family.
"And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,The instruments of darkness tell us truths,Win us with honest trifles, to betray'sIn deepest consequence."- Banquo, Act 1, Scene 3, Macbeth
Macbeth is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy and is loosely based on the life of the Scottish king, Macbeth. The play follows Macbeth's rise to power and descent into madness after being manipulated by his wife and the prophecies of three witches. This play explores the theme of ambition and the consequences it can bring.
William Shakespeare's literary genius has persisted throughout the centuries, making him one of the most revered and influential writers in English history. His plays and sonnets continue to be celebrated and studied around the world, captivating audiences with their universal themes, complex characters, and masterful storytelling.
Over 400 years since his death, Shakespeare's works remain widely read and performed, leaving a lasting impact on literature. Let's dive deeper into his most famous comedies and sonnets, while also addressing the ongoing debate surrounding his authorship.
One of Shakespeare's most well-known comedies is The Taming of the Shrew, where Petruchio "tames" the headstrong Katherina and turns her into a compliant wife. In 1999, a popular film adaptation, 10 Things I Hate About You, gave a modern spin on this classic story.
Much Ado About Nothing follows two couples, Claudio and Hero, and Benedick and Beatrice, through a tangled web of trickery and misunderstandings. Meanwhile, Twelfth Night tells the tale of twins Viola and Sebastian, separated by a shipwreck and ultimately reunited. Full of comedic misunderstandings and fairy meddling, A Midsummer Night's Dream explores the complexities of love and relationships. And in The Tempest, sorcerer Prospero and his daughter Miranda find forgiveness and reconciliation when the people who once wronged them are stranded on their island.
In addition to his plays, Shakespeare is known for his 154 sonnets, published in 1609. Written in iambic pentameter and commonly referred to as "Shakespearean Sonnets", these poems have influenced countless writers with their structure and beauty. Each line consists of ten syllables divided into five rhythmic units, showcasing Shakespeare's mastery of language.
Despite widespread recognition for Shakespeare's work, there is a longstanding debate about the true authorship of his plays. Theories range from someone else writing under Shakespeare's name to a group of writers collaborating on the plays. Some even speculate that the William Shakespeare we know may not be the actual writer. What are your thoughts on the Shakespeare Authorship Question?
Often referred to as England's National Poet or simply "the Bard", William Shakespeare is known for his contributions to the English language, creating over 1700 words and phrases still used today. His plays have been translated into numerous languages and continue to be performed globally.
While little is known about his personal life, the 1998 film Shakespeare in Love offers a glimpse into the world of a young Shakespeare, blending fact and fiction. Despite the mysteries surrounding his life, one thing is certain: William Shakespeare's legacy will continue to inspire and captivate generations to come.
Maggie O'Farrell's novel, Hamnet, offers a unique and imaginative glimpse into the family life of one of history's most renowned playwrights, William Shakespeare. The novel focuses on the tragic death of Shakespeare's son, Hamnet, and provides a fictionalized perspective on the impact it had on the family.
On April 26, 1564, William Shakespeare was baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon. While limited information exists about his childhood and education, it is believed that he attended the local grammar school where he studied Latin and classical literature. At 18 years old, he wed Anne Hathaway, who was eight years his senior. Together, they had three children: Susanna and twins Judith and Hamnet.
Shakespeare is best known for his extensive collection of works, which include 154 sonnets and over 30 plays spanning various genres from tragedy to comedy. Some of his most famous plays include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth. His ability to capture the human experience and convey complex emotions through his writing has solidified him as a timeless figure in literature.
The question of Shakespeare's authorship has sparked debates and theories, with some suggesting that he may not have written his own works. However, the majority agree that it was indeed Shakespeare who penned these iconic pieces of literature.
In addition to his written works, Shakespeare is also credited with shaping the English language. He is believed to have invented over 1,700 words and phrases that are still in use today, such as "eyeball," "fashionable," and "luggage." His impact on language and literature is immeasurable, with his works still being studied and performed in various languages and cultures worldwide.
William Shakespeare's legacy continues to live on, with his name synonymous with excellence in writing and storytelling. His influence on the arts and society as a whole is undeniable, securing his place as one of the greatest writers in history.
Aside from his successful career, Shakespeare also had a personal life. He wed his cousin Anne Hathaway, who was eight years older than him, and together they had three children. Sadly, their son Hamnet passed away at the young age of 11, providing the inspiration for O'Farrell's novel Hamnet. Shakespeare had a close relationship with his family and left them most of his fortune in his will.
In conclusion, the legacy of William Shakespeare continues to inspire and captivate audiences centuries after his passing. His works and influence on language and literature will continue to be studied and celebrated for generations to come.
