Introduction:
Shakespeare is perhaps the most famous playwright in history, with his works still being studied, performed, and adapted to this day. While most people are familiar with his iconic plays like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth, there are many surprising facts about Shakespeare that are not as well known. In this article, we will explore 15 interesting facts about the Bard of Avon that will surely surprise you.
Fact 1: Early Life
Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 1564. He was the third of eight children and his father was a successful glove-maker and local politician. Shakespeare attended the King’s New School in Stratford, where he studied Latin and Greek.
Fact 2: Marriage
At the age of 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was eight years older than him. They had three children together: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet died at the young age of 11, which some believe inspired Shakespeare’s later plays about grief and loss.
Fact 3: Lost Years
There is a period in Shakespeare’s life known as the ”Lost Years,” where historians have little information about his activities. Some theories suggest that he worked as a schoolteacher, traveled abroad, or even became a soldier during this time.
Fact 4: Globe Theatre
Shakespeare was a shareholder in the Globe Theatre, one of the most famous playhouses of his time. The Globe was located on the south bank of the Thames River in London and was where many of Shakespeare’s plays were first performed.
Fact 5: Pseudonym
Shakespeare often wrote under the pseudonym ”William Shakespeare” or simply “Shake-speare.” It is believed that he chose to use a pseudonym to protect his privacy and avoid controversy, as writing plays was not always seen as a respectable profession in Elizabethan England.
Fact 6: Sonnets
In addition to his plays, Shakespeare also wrote 154 sonnets, which are some of the most famous and enduring works of poetry in the English language. The sonnets cover themes of love, beauty, time, and mortality, and are still studied and admired today.
Fact 7: Language
Shakespeare is credited with inventing over 1,700 words in the English language, including words like “eyeball,” “lonely,” and “swagger.” He also coined many phrases and expressions that are still in use today, such as “bated breath,” “wild goose chase,” and “break the ice.”
Fact 8: Contemporary Writers
Shakespeare was a contemporary of many other famous writers, including Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, and John Fletcher. He collaborated with other playwrights on some of his later works and was influenced by the writing styles of his peers.
Fact 9: Acting Career
In addition to writing plays, Shakespeare was also an actor and performed in many of his own productions. He was a member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men and later the King’s Men, two of the most prestigious acting companies of the time.
Fact 10: Queen Elizabeth I
Shakespeare was a favorite playwright of Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled England during much of his life. He often performed his plays at court and was granted a royal patent, which allowed him to publish his works without fear of censorship.
Fact 11: Adaptations
Shakespeare’s plays have been adapted into countless films, television shows, and novels over the years. Some of the most famous adaptations include West Side Story (based on Romeo and Juliet), 10 Things I Hate About You (based on The Taming of the Shrew), and She’s the Man (based on Twelfth Night).
Fact 12: Legacy
Shakespeare’s influence on literature, theater, and popular culture is immeasurable. His works continue to be performed around the world and studied in schools and universities. The Globe Theatre in London still hosts productions of his plays to this day.
Fact 13: Mystery Surrounding Death
There is some mystery surrounding Shakespeare’s death in 1616. While the exact cause of his death is unknown, it is believed that he passed away on his birthday, April 23. Some theories suggest that he may have died of a fever or other illness.
Fact 14: Signature
Shakespeare’s signature is one of the most sought-after autographs in the world. Only six examples of his signature are known to exist, all on legal documents such as wills and contracts. His signature is often spelled differently, with variations like “Shakespeare,” “Shaksper,” and “Shakspeare.”
Fact 15: Global Influence
Shakespeare’s works have been translated into over 100 languages and his plays are performed in countries all over the world. His universal themes of love, jealousy, power, and betrayal continue to resonate with audiences of all cultures and backgrounds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shakespeare’s life and works are full of fascinating and surprising facts that reveal the complexity and genius of the man behind the iconic plays. From his humble beginnings in Stratford to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest writers in history, Shakespeare’s influence continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of writers, actors, and artists. Whether you are a lifelong fan of Shakespeare or just discovering his works for the first time, there is always something new and intriguing to learn about the Bard of Avon.
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