William Shakespeare's Life and Works

What type of plays did Shakespeare write that typically feature happy endings?

Which significant event led to the closure of theatres in London during Shakespeare's career?

What was the name of the theatre that Shakespeare helped to build in 1599?

At what age did William Shakespeare likely leave school?

In total, how many plays is Shakespeare believed to have written?

What was William Shakespeare's father's job?

What did Shakespeare do after theatres closed due to the plague?

Which statement about The Globe theatre is correct?

How many children did William Shakespeare have?

What type of plays did Shakespeare write that often feature sad endings?

In which city did William Shakespeare find work as an actor?

What type of literature did Shakespeare write during the plague years?

What was a common feature of the audience's behavior at The Globe theatre?

What year did William Shakespeare die?

Which of the following statements is true about Shakespeare's legacy?

William Shakespeare's Life and Works

Born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Father, John, was a glove maker; mother, Mary, was a farmer's daughter
Had two older and two younger sisters, and three younger brothers
Likely studied Latin, Greek, and history
Left school around age 14-15
Married Anne Hathaway in 1587
Had a daughter (Susanna) and twins (Judith and Hamnet)
Moved to London sometime before 1590, working as an actor and writer
London's first theatre opened in 1576
Wrote sonnets during plague-related theatre closure in 1593
Helped build The Globe Theatre, which opened in 1599
The Globe was a round theatre with space for 3,000 people, with standing and seating areas
Plays at The Globe involved audience participation (shouting, clapping, booing) and special effects (music, cannon)
No women acted on stage; men and boys played all roles
Wrote various play types: comedies (e.g., A Midsummer Night's Dream), tragedies (e.g., Romeo and Juliet), and history plays (e.g., Henry V)
Wrote approximately 38 plays
Invented new words and expressions still used today
Became rich and famous, with houses in London and Stratford
Died in 1616 at age 52

Shakespeare's Legacy

Plays and poetry were popular 400 years ago and remain popular today
Appreciated worldwide for storytelling and characters.

Explore the fascinating life and contributions of William Shakespeare through this quiz. From his early years in Stratford-upon-Avon to his influence on theatre with The Globe, discover key facts and milestones in his journey as a playwright and poet. Test your knowledge of his works, family, and the cultural context of the Elizabethan era.