15 Facts About William Shakespeare

Introduction:

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in history. His works continue to be studied, performed, and celebrated around the world. While many people are familiar with his most famous plays like “Romeo and Juliet” and “Hamlet,” there are several lesser-known facts about Shakespeare that are equally fascinating. In this article, we will explore 15 facts about the Bard of Avon that may surprise you.

Fact 1: Early Life

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in April 1564. He was the third of eight children born to John Shakespeare, a successful glovemaker, and Mary Arden, a landed heiress. Shakespeare’s exact birthdate is not known, but it is traditionally celebrated on April 23, the same date as his death.

Fact 2: Education

Shakespeare attended the King Edward VI Grammar School in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he would have received a classical education that included Latin, Greek, and rhetoric. While there is no concrete evidence of his higher education, it is believed that he may have attended the University of Oxford or Cambridge.

Fact 3: Marriage

At the age of 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was 26 at the time. The couple had three children together – Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. His son Hamnet died at the age of 11, a loss that would later be reflected in some of Shakespeare’s works.

Fact 4: The Globe Theatre

Shakespeare was a shareholder in the Globe Theatre, one of the most famous playhouses of his time. The Globe was built in 1599 in Southwark, London, and many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed there, including some of his most famous works.

Fact 5: Writing Style

Shakespeare wrote his plays predominantly in blank verse, a form of unrhymed iambic pentameter. He also used prose and rhyme in his works, and his writing is known for its complex characters, deep themes, and beautiful language.

Fact 6: Pseudonyms

Shakespeare published many of his plays under his own name, but he also used pseudonyms like “P. Blakburne” and “William Basse” for some of his works. The reasons for this are not entirely clear, but it was a common practice among playwrights of his time.

Fact 7: Influence

Shakespeare’s works have had a profound influence on literature, theater, and art. His plays have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into countless films, television shows, and other media. His words continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

Fact 8: Lost Plays

While Shakespeare is known for his famous plays, like “Macbeth” and “Othello,” he also wrote several plays that have since been lost to history. These include works like “Cardenio” and “Love’s Labour’s Won,” which are known to have been performed during his lifetime but are no longer extant.

Fact 9: Sonnets

In addition to his plays, Shakespeare also wrote a collection of 154 sonnets, which were published in 1609. These sonnets are written in a poetic form consisting of 14 lines with a specific rhyme scheme and were likely inspired by his own life experiences and emotions.

Fact 10: Legacy

Shakespeare’s legacy is immense, with his works remaining an integral part of Western literary canon. His influence can be seen in the works of countless writers, playwrights, and artists who have been inspired by his genius. His impact on the English language is immeasurable.

Fact 11: Acting Career

In addition to being a playwright, Shakespeare was also an actor. He was a member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a playing company that later became the King’s Men. Shakespeare often performed in his own plays and those of his contemporaries.

Fact 12: Historical Accuracy

While Shakespeare’s history plays, like “Richard III” and “Henry V,” are based on real events and historical figures, he often took creative liberties with the facts for dramatic effect. Many of his histories were written to please the ruling monarch of the time.

Fact 13: Religion

There is much speculation about Shakespeare’s religious beliefs, as they are not explicitly stated in his works. Some scholars believe he was a Catholic, while others argue that he was a Protestant. The true nature of his faith remains a mystery.

Fact 14: Globe Theatre Fire

In 1613, the Globe Theatre burned to the ground during a performance of Shakespeare’s play “Henry VIII.” The fire was caused by a cannon shot that set the thatched roof ablaze. The theatre was later rebuilt, but Shakespeare retired from the stage shortly thereafter.

Fact 15: Death

William Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52. He was buried in the chancel of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. Despite his relatively short life, Shakespeare’s legacy has endured for over 400 years and shows no signs of fading.

Conclusion

William Shakespeare’s impact on the world of literature and theater is immeasurable. His works continue to be studied, performed, and celebrated by people of all ages and backgrounds. The 15 facts we have explored in this article only scratch the surface of the life and legacy of the Bard of Avon. As we continue to delve into his works and unravel the mysteries of his life, one thing remains certain – Shakespeare’s genius will endure for generations to come.