William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. He lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries and his works have had a profound impact on literature and the arts.

Biography

Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 1564. He married Anne Hathaway at the age of 18 and had three children. In the late 1590s, he moved to London to pursue a career in the theater. He became a successful actor and playwright, and eventually a shareholder in the Globe Theatre. He died in 1616 and was buried in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Works

Shakespeare wrote 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems. His plays are often divided into three main categories: comedies, tragedies, and histories. Some of his most famous works include "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," "Macbeth," "Othello," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Legacy

Shakespeare's works have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. His influence on the English language is profound, and many of the words and phrases he coined are still in use today.

Study Guide

1. What was William Shakespeare's birthplace?
   • Stratford-upon-Avon, England
2. How many plays did Shakespeare write?
   • 39
3. Name three categories into which Shakespeare's plays are often divided.
   • Comedies, tragedies, and histories
4. Which of Shakespeare's plays features the characters Romeo and Juliet?
   • "Romeo and Juliet"
5. What is the title of Shakespeare's longest play?
   • "Hamlet"

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