William Shakespeare
- Born:
- Baptized April 26, 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Died:
- April 23, 1616, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Playwright, Poet, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born to John Shakespeare, a glover and alderman, and Mary Arden.
- Likely attended Stratford Grammar School, where he would have studied Latin grammar, literature, and rhetoric.
- No university education is recorded.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his acting career in London by 1592.
- Member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men) acting company.
- Co-owner of the Globe Theatre.
- Wrote approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several other poems.
- Established a reputation as one of the foremost writers in the English language.
Notable Works
Plays
| Genre | Title | Approximate Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tragedy | Hamlet | 1600-1601 |
| Tragedy | Othello | 1603 |
| Tragedy | King Lear | 1605-1606 |
| Tragedy | Macbeth | 1606 |
| Comedy | A Midsummer Night's Dream | 1595-1596 |
| Comedy | Twelfth Night | 1601-1602 |
| History | Richard III | 1592-1593 |
| History | Henry V | 1599 |
| Tragedy | Romeo and Juliet | 1594-1596 |
Poetry
- Sonnets (154)
- Venus and Adonis
- The Rape of Lucrece
Legacy and Impact
William Shakespeare's works are studied and performed worldwide and are considered foundational to English literature. His influence on language and culture is immeasurable. Scholarly works such as this 'ayanda ngubane biography of william shakespeare' continue to build upon his influence on society, proving the depth of his impact.