illustrated portrait of English playwright and poet William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare

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Who is William Shakespeare?

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William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is widely regarded as the greatest English playwright and poet. He authored 38 plays, including famous works like Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet, and 154 sonnets. His plays encompass comedies, histories, and tragedies. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, he spent much of his career in London before retiring to his birthplace. Shakespeare's influence endures, with his works still performed globally and integral to actors' careers.

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William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) is considered by many to be the finest English language playwright and poet of all time.  He wrote 38 plays, which have been translated into every major language and which are still performed more often than those of any other author.  Shakespeare also wrote 154 sonnets, which are poems with a very strict structure and rhythm.  

Shakespeare's plays include comedies, histories of English kings (Richard III, Henry IV, Henry V, Henry VI, etc.) and tragedies.  Among the most famous are Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream and King Lear. 

To this day, few actors are considered to be at the top of their professions unless they have done Shakespeare at some point in their careers.

You can find extensive information about Shakespeare and his work here at enotes. 

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Who is William Shakespeare?

Willam Shakespeare was a man who lived during the Elizabethan and early Jacobean...

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eras in England. He is primarily known as a writer of plays and poetry, and universally revered as one of the best and most influential writers in the English language.

The amount of accurate biographical information extant about Shakespeare is small. He was the son of John and Mary (maiden name Arden), and was born in April 1564 in the town of Stratford on Avon. He married Anne Hathaway with whom he had three daughters. After a youth in Stratford, he spent 25 years in a theatrical career in London and then retired back to Stratford.

Many extended descriptions, as well as full texts of his works, are available on eNotes.

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Who was William Shakespeare?

I would suggest 100 out of 200.  You mention his childhood, but nothing about his marriage, his work as an actor, or his slow gain in popularity as his works are well-received by audiences and royalty alike.  For example, Shakespeare's will specified that his wife receive only his "second-best bed".

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