Biographical and Background Information William Shakespeare Biographical and Background Information Born about April 23, 1564 near Stratford on Avon Died on April 23, 1616 at age 52 Married Anne Hathaway By 1592 was employed as an actor and playwright During 1594 he was a charter member of Lord Chamberlain’s Men which later became the King’s Men (reference to King James) *the Bible Wrote plays year after year during the English Renaissance Early in his early career, 1589-1600, he wrote mostly comedies and histories. After 1600, Shakespeare wrote most of his tragedies.

Why Should We Read Shakespeare? Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language as well as the world’s pre-eminent playwright England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon” During his life he produced: 38 plays 154 sonnets - created the Shakespearean sonnet often called the Elizabethan sonnet after Queen Elizabeth 2 long narrative poems His plays are still produced all over the world for both stage and film

Shakespeare’s Words Wrote in what is often considered Old or Middle English, but it is really an example of Early Modern English During his lifetime English grammar, spelling, and pronunciation were far less standardized than they are today. Shakespeare’s use of language helped shape Modern English His plays are noted for the characters, characterization, plot, and language (figurative)

The Globe Theatre