William Shakespeare: A Short Biography

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Childhood

   William Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet born in Stratford Upon Avon on April, 1564. He was born and raised by his parents, John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. Growing up, he had the privileges many others didn't have mainly because his father, John Shakespeare was one of the most prosperous men of Stratford, who also attained the position of chief offices in town. Going to school and getting a proper education was one of the priviledges, many assume that Shakespeare attended King Edward VI Grammar School. Hence, helping him become the learned and highly achieved man he is today.

Work

   William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright. He was famous in the Elizabethan Era and was recognized to most by his plays. Plays such as: Macbeth; Romeo & Juliet; King Lear; Othello;  The Merchant of Venice and Hamlet, just to name a few of his more well-known plays. He presented these plays in the sanctity of the Elizabethan theaters. He moved from theatre to theatre presenting his plays because none of the theatres in those times were permanent. However, in 1576 he built a theatre in Shoreditch, the experiment was quite a success and by 1592 there were two more playhouses in London. Shakespeare also comprised sonnets (as well as his theatrical works) as his main form of poetry. He made poems entitled: Venus and Adonis; The Rape of Lucrece and A Lover's Complaint. 

Accomplishments

   William Shakespeare was named one of the more senior members of the Lord Chamberlain's men. This was an acting company which often performed before the court. This prominent theatre company later became the royal company called the King's Men, making Shakespeare an official playwright to the King of England. His success blossomed so simultaneously that he and his family was granted a Coat of Arms which gave Shakespeare the title of a 'gentleman'. Shakespeare later became part of the ownership of the famous Globe Theatre where many of his plays were later performed. 

Death

   William Shakespeare died on April, 1616. However, written upon his tomb stone is an appeal bearing a curse to anyone who were to move his bones. It read:

Good friend, for Jesus´ sake forbeare
To digg the dust enclosed here!
Blest be ye man that spares thes stones
And curst be he that moues my bones.