Shakespeare was an English poet, dramatist, and actor who was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564. Shakespeare’s birthday is commemorated on April 23 (see When was Shakespeare born), which is also the date he died in 1616.
During the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods of British theatre, Shakespeare was a prolific writer (sometimes called the English Renaissance or the Early Modern Period). Shakespeare’s plays are undoubtedly his best known works, yet they are far from his only works. Shakespeare’s poetry is still widely read today.
Shakespeare’s Family Life
Records are documents about William Shakespeare’s family that provide insight into Shakespeare’s early life and the lives of his relatives. John Shakespeare married Mary Arden and had eight children with her. As a result of the loss of two daughters as babies, William became the eldest child of John and Mary. John Shakespeare worked as a glove manufacturer, but he also rose through the ranks of the Stratford community by holding civic responsibilities. Because of his higher social standing, he was even more inclined to send his children to the local grammar school, including William.
Until he was eighteen, William Shakespeare would have resided with his family on Henley Street. Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was twenty-six years his junior when he was eighteen years old. Anne was already pregnant at the time of the wedding, so it was a hasty affair. They have three children together. Susanna, their first child, was born six months after the wedding, followed by twins Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet was just 11 years old when he died.
The Complete Works of Shakespeare
Shakespeare wrote 38 plays, two narrative poems, 154 sonnets, and several more pieces of poetry. There are no known original manuscripts of Shakespeare’s plays today. We have nearly half of Shakespeare’s plays courtesy of a group of performers from Shakespeare’s company. After Shakespeare’s death, they gathered them for publication, preserving the plays. These essays were collected in the First Folio (the term “folio” refers to the size of the paper used). There were 36 of his plays in the collection, but none of his poetry.
Shakespeare’s legacy is as rich and varied as his work; his plays have produced a plethora of adaptations in a variety of genres and civilizations. His plays have a long history on theatre and screen. His works have been collected in several editions of William Shakespeare’s Complete Works, which comprise all of his plays, sonnets, and other pieces. William Shakespeare remains one of the English language’s most prominent literary personalities.
SHAKESPEARE’S DAY HISTORY
Because it was not customary at the time, William Shakespeare’s birth date was never formally documented. People from all around the world, however, regard April 23 to be his birthday. In addition, the Bard of Avon died on April 23, 1616, the same day he was born.
Shakespeare has made a significant contribution to the English language. Many of today’s terminology may be traced back to Shakespeare’s plays and writings. William Shakespeare’s influence in English literature grew with time, and people began seeking a day to commemorate his genius in modern times. And there is no better day than April 23 to honour him!
Robert J. Williamson, the creative director of the British Shakespeare Company, is credited with the concept for National Shakespeare Day. Soon after, the day grew increasingly well-known among the general public, and it is today a day when we are reminded to enjoy and appreciate William Shakespeare’s talent. Many government ministries in the United Kingdom promote National Shakespeare Day.
Today, numerous countries throughout the world have declared April 23rd to be National Shakespeare Day. It may not be an official holiday, but it assures us that we commemorate the immortal Bard of Avon’s grandeur.
5 SHAKESPEARE FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW
- Shakespeare’s contribution to English
William Shakespeare is credited for introducing about 3,000 terms to the English language, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. - Shakespeare’s tombstone bears a curse.
The epitaph of William Shakespeare contains a curse, challenging anybody to disturb his remains. - Shakespeare’s inclination toward suicide
One of the reasons why the number 13 is considered bad is that it appears 13 times in all of William Shakespeare’s plays. - Shakespeare’s shortest and longest play
“The Comedy of Errors,” with 1,787 words, is William Shakespeare’s shortest play, while “Hamlet,” with 4,042 lines, is his longest. - Shakespeare’s historical oblivion
There are no records of William Shakespeare’s life between 1585 and 1592.
WHY DO WE LOVE SHAKESPEARE DAY?
- William Shakespeare is a well-known figure in the realm of literature.
In the realm of literature, William Shakespeare has left an unmistakable impression. Every year, the world should recognise his many contributions to the English language. Or, at the very least, on this specific day of the year. - It is entertaining to speak like Shakespeare.
It is a lot of pleasure to speak in the language that William Shakespeare employed in his plays and works. During our school years, we have all read it at some time. Why not reminisce about those happy days of learning Shakespearean plays on one of the days of the year? - Taking in life lessons
The stories of William Shakespeare’s plays are still relevant today. The ideas and concepts he employed in his plays are still relevant in today’s day-to-day life, even though they were written about 500 years ago.
