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William Shakespeare, ‘The Bard’ of the English language, is perhaps the most celebrated playwright and poet in the world. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April 1564, he left an indelible mark on the world of literature and the performing arts that endures to this day.
One of the great joys and frustrations of The Bard is that we know almost nothing about him. However, it would be a fair supposition to say that he did not enjoy a childhood of privilege. Unlike other playwrights of the time, who mostly belonged to the rich aristocracy, Shakespeare was the third of eight children born to John Shakespeare, a glove-maker, and Mary Arden, the daughter of a wealthy landowner. He is thought to have attended a prestigious grammar school for a number of years before his family fell on hard times. So while his upbringing could never be called poor, he almost certainly knew the meaning of hard work – there is evidence that he spent several years as an apprentice glove-maker in his father’s shop. These experiences, coupled with his brief but intense grammar school education, went on to influence much of the language and themes of his work, and set him apart as an artist who connected the intentions of great kings and queens with the desires of the everyday citizen.
At the age of 18, in the year 1582, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years his senior, and possibly already carrying his child. Their marriage soon resulted in the birth of two more children. Perhaps at this point Shakespeare settled into family life, working as a local schoolteacher. However, these years – between 1585 and 1592, known as the ‘Lost Years’ – are undoubtably the most obscure period of his life, and there are many outlandish theories about his travels and activities. Some think he journeyed through Europe, to Rome, or even further afield, due to the undeniable worldliness of his later work.
Whatever the truth, we know that Shakespeare arrived in London in 1592, most likely as a travelling actor. It’s not known if he abandoned his family or left with their blessing, but what is certain is that by the mid-1590s, he had become a successful actor and playwright in London's thriving theatrical scene. He became associated with the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, an acting company that later came to be known as the King’s Men under the patronage of King James I. His involvement in this company was instrumental in establishing his reputation and career, which was undoubtedly prolific, spanning from the late 16th century to the early 17th century, and encompassing all manner of plays and poetry. One of Shakespeare’s most remarkable talents was his ability to craft characters with breathtaking complexity and nuance. His characters, whether tragic or comedic, have resonated with audiences for centuries, and they continue to be a source of fascination for scholars and performers alike.
Shakespeare’s impact on the English language is immeasurable. He introduced and popularized countless words and phrases that are now integral to the language. His mastery of the written word continues to influence literature, theatre, and even everyday speech.
Despite his immense success and acclaim during his lifetime, William Shakespeare returned to Stratford-upon-Avon in the early 17th century to be with his wife and two daughters ¬– his son Hamnet having tragically died at the age of eleven. Shakespeare’s later years were far quieter than the frantic creativity of London, but he remained distantly involved in the theatre until his death on April 23, 1616, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to captivate and inspire people around the world.
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