"All the world's a stage, and all men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts."
- William Shakespeare -As You Like It, Act 2, Scene 7
Who doesn't know this guy? William Shakespeare is one of the best, if not the most famous, authors are known worldwide. He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in April 1564. There are no records of his exact date of birth; however, his birthday is celebrated around the world from the 23rd through the 26th of April, the time when he was baptized at the Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon. He died on the 23rd of April 1616 at the age of fifty-two. Shakespeare's real name is Guliemus Shakspere. Guliemus is Latin for William; he often referred to himself as Will in his sonnets, and many of his peers called him William.
Shakespeare the Actor, English poet and Playwright
Shakespeare is known to have been an actor and an English poet, but he is more widely known as a playwright. Some of his earliest works are the poems "Venus and Adonis", "The Rape of Lucrece" and the play "Henry VI" in the years 1593, 1594, and 1596 respectively.
Throughout his career, he has written thirty-eight plays and over one hundred and fifty poems. The genres of these exceptional works of art are: tragedies, comedies, histories, and problem plays. The term "problem plays" refers to plays that do not fall under any of the three genres.
Even though these problem plays may have tragedy, comedy, or history within them, they switch between the genres so often that they cannot be placed under just one of these headings. Shakespeare began writing at roughly twenty-five years of age when he discovered he could become a great playwright.
Hamlet: One of Shakespeare's most famous plays
The drama 'Hamlet' is said to be the most popular of Shakespeare's plays. Hamlet follows the story of a young prince of Demark, who struggles with his father's passing and his mother marrying Claudius, his father's brother, and successor.
Later on, it is revealed that Claudius had murdered Hamlet's father. Hamlet's visits him as a ghost and encourages him to seek revenge on the treacherous killer which he is not suited to. Shakespeare used the literary devices of characterization and soliloquy to make Hamlet a relatable character.
With the soliloquies, we can see into Hamlet's mind; all his turmoil, suffering, and heartache. Along with the theme of revenge tragedy, readers sympathize with Hamlet's situation, therefore, leading to them wanting to root for him.
Other honorary mentions of Shakespeare's works are: 'Romeo and Juliet', 'Macbeth', 'King Lear', 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', 'The Merchant of Venice', 'Much Ado About Nothing' and 'The Tempest'.
Shakespeare Today
The works of William Shakespeare will forever be famous. In schools, his arts are taught and read for exams. If you are looking for a good read, try out one of his works; for improvement on your writing or simply for your leisure.
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