William Shakespeare: Life and Works Overview

Born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England; likely on April 23 (St George’s Day).
Parents: John Shakespeare (merchant, local government) and Mary Arden (from a prominent family).
Had eight siblings; received education at grammar school, studying Latin and Greek.
Left school at 14 due to family's financial issues; never attended university.
Married Anne Hathaway at 18; she was eight years his senior and illiterate.
Three children: Susanna, twins Hamnet (died at 11 from the plague), and Judith.

Moved to London in his twenties to pursue acting and playwrighting.
Began writing plays by age 25; gained popularity in the 1590s.
Co-purchased the Globe Theatre in 1599; a cultural hub attracting various audiences, including royalty.
Notable performances for Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, the latter honoring Shakespeare's company as ‘The King’s Men.’
Original Globe burned down in 1613; rebuilt in the 1990s, maintaining traditional features while allowing actresses to perform.

Questions exist regarding the originality of his plays; some were rewritten or based on others' ideas.
Categorized into three types: tragedies, comedies, and historical plays.
Most notable tragedies include "Hamlet," "Macbeth," "Romeo and Juliet," "Othello," and "King Lear," focusing on fate and misfortune.
Famous comedies include "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," "As You Like It," and "Twelfth Night," characterized by misunderstandings among characters.
No plays were published during his lifetime, which contributes to their historical intrigue.

Died on April 23, 1616, at 52; buried at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Died wealthy, leaving his estate primarily to daughter Susanna; ironically, bequeathed only his 'second best bed' to his wife.
His tombstone reads a blessing for those who respect his remains and a curse for those who disturb his bones; his grave has remained undisturbed for over 300 years.

Born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England; likely on April 23 (St George’s Day).
Parents: John Shakespeare (merchant, local government) and Mary Arden (from a prominent family).
Had eight siblings; received education at grammar school, studying Latin and Greek.
Left school at 14 due to family's financial issues; never attended university.
Married Anne Hathaway at 18; she was eight years his senior and illiterate.
Three children: Susanna, twins Hamnet (died at 11 from the plague), and Judith.

Moved to London in his twenties to pursue acting and playwrighting.
Began writing plays by age 25; gained popularity in the 1590s.
Co-purchased the Globe Theatre in 1599; a cultural hub attracting various audiences, including royalty.
Notable performances for Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, the latter honoring Shakespeare's company as ‘The King’s Men.’
Original Globe burned down in 1613; rebuilt in the 1990s, maintaining traditional features while allowing actresses to perform.

Questions exist regarding the originality of his plays; some were rewritten or based on others' ideas.
Categorized into three types: tragedies, comedies, and historical plays.
Most notable tragedies include "Hamlet," "Macbeth," "Romeo and Juliet," "Othello," and "King Lear," focusing on fate and misfortune.
Famous comedies include "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," "As You Like It," and "Twelfth Night," characterized by misunderstandings among characters.
No plays were published during his lifetime, which contributes to their historical intrigue.

Died on April 23, 1616, at 52; buried at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Died wealthy, leaving his estate primarily to daughter Susanna; ironically, bequeathed only his 'second best bed' to his wife.
His tombstone reads a blessing for those who respect his remains and a curse for those who disturb his bones; his grave has remained undisturbed for over 300 years.