William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, Shakespeare wrote at least 38 plays and 154 sonnets, with his works still performed, studied, and admired today.
Shakespeare was the third child of John and Mary Shakespeare, who had eight children. His father was a glove maker and a prominent figure in the town. Shakespeare received a good education, but there is no record of him attending university. At 18, he married Anne Hathaway, and they had three children.
Shakespeare's early career is not well documented, but it is believed that he worked as an actor and playwright in London in the late 1580s and early 1590s. He was a member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a theater company later known as the King's Men.
Shakespeare's plays are divided into three categories: tragedies, comedies, and histories. Some of his most famous works include:
The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.
William Shakespeare
Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.
William Shakespeare
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.
William Shakespeare
Shakespeare's impact on literature and the arts is immeasurable. He introduced hundreds of words and phrases into the English language, and his works have influenced countless writers, artists, and musicians. His plays continue to be performed and adapted around the world, a testament to his enduring legacy.