William Shakespeare The greatest playwright and poet the world has ever known

Who was William Shakespeare? Probably the world’s most famous poet playwright A writing genius He lived during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (The Elizabethan period in English history) Plays were popular then What was his genius? His understanding of people, his skill with words, his sense of drama- knowing what would please an audience. The English language and theatre have never been the same since then.

Where did Shakespeare live? In and around London, England London was a busy, bustling walled city It was having a Renaissance (rebirth) of arts and sciences under two monarchs who loved the theatre (Queen Elizabeth I and King James I) The only major disasters during Shakespeare’s time were the plagues of & 1613, which closed the theatres

Little is known of Shakespeare’s life Born April 23, 1564 in Stratford-on-Avon, near London His family was “well-off” He probably attended grammar school until about 15 years old, studying Latin and mythology He married Anne Hathaway on November 27, 1582 (who was related to him in some way)

Little is known of Shakespeare’s life Anne Hathaway was 8 years older than him They had three children together; Susanna, Hamnet & Judith (twins) He lived in London most of his life and had little to do with his hometown, although he became its third largest landowner, and eventually retired there

Little is known of Shakespeare’s life A great actor- by 1592 he was recognized as a successful actor on the London stage- as well as a leading poet He wrote at least 36 plays as well as sonnets and other poems He revolutionized the English stage with his dramatic and poetic genius

He retired from the theatre to his native Stratford sometime between 1611 and 1613 He died on his 52nd birthday and was buried in the chancel of the Church of the Holy Trinity His gravestone contains a curse for anyone who dares dig up his body

Little is known of Shakespeare’s life Famous during his life as a poet, actor, and playwright

So what? The English language has never been the same His phrases and ideas are quoted thousands of times every day- in newspapers, magazines, books, on the radio and television, and even in conversation Most of his plays are performed live, and many have been turned into films

The Globe Theatre