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Who Was William Shakespeare?
William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright, and actor, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. He was a prominent member of the King’s Men theatrical company from around 1594. Shakespeare’s prolific body of work includes at least 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and two narrative poems. His writing explores the full spectrum of human emotion and conflict, earning him global recognition and admiration for over four centuries. Although much of his personal life remains shrouded in mystery, it is often noted that Shakespeare was born and died on the same day—April 23—52 years apart.
Early Life
Much of William Shakespeare’s early life is poorly documented, with only limited information available through his works and various official records, such as church and court documents. These sources provide brief glimpses into his life, yet little is known about the man himself beyond these references.
When Was Shakespeare Born?
Although no direct birth records have been found, it is widely accepted that William Shakespeare was born on or around April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon. Church records show that he was baptized at Holy Trinity Church on April 26, 1564. Stratford-upon-Avon, located approximately 100 miles northwest of London, was a lively market town during Shakespeare’s time, situated along the River Avon and intersected by a country road.
Parents and Siblings
Shakespeare was the third child of John Shakespeare, a glove maker and leather merchant, and Mary Arden, an heiress to local land. John Shakespeare held several civic positions, including alderman and bailiff, the latter being a role akin to mayor. However, his fortunes declined in the late 1570s, though he later regained some wealth and was granted a coat of arms in 1596, thereby securing his status as a gentleman.
William had eight siblings, though three of them died in childhood. His eldest surviving siblings were two sisters, Joan and Margaret, who both died in infancy. Shakespeare had three younger brothers—Gilbert, Richard, and Edmund—and two younger sisters—Joan and Anne. Joan was the only sibling who outlived him.
Childhood and Education
There is little concrete information regarding Shakespeare’s childhood, but scholars believe he likely attended the King’s New School in Stratford, where he would have received a classical education, including instruction in Latin. He likely attended the school until he was around 14 or 15 years old, though there is no evidence to suggest he pursued university studies. The limited details about his education have prompted some to question the authorship of his works, though the majority of scholars accept him as the true writer of the plays and sonnets attributed to him.
Wife and Children
Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway on November 28, 1582, when he was 18 and she was 26. Hathaway, from the village of Shottery, was pregnant at the time of their marriage. The couple’s first child, Susanna, was born on May 26, 1583. Two years later, on February 2, 1585, Anne gave birth to twins, Hamnet and Judith. Tragically, Hamnet died at the age of 11, though the cause of his death remains unknown.
Shakespeare’s Lost Years
There exists a gap of seven years in William Shakespeare’s life for which no records have been found, spanning from the birth of his twins in 1585 until 1592. This period is commonly referred to as Shakespeare’s “lost years,” and it has generated considerable speculation about his activities during this time. One prominent theory suggests that Shakespeare may have gone into hiding after being accused of poaching game from Sir Thomas Lucy, a local landlord. Another possibility is that he worked as an assistant schoolmaster in Lancashire. Additionally, some scholars hypothesize that Shakespeare might have been in London, serving as a horse attendant at one of the city’s prestigious theaters before emerging as a playwright.
By 1592, evidence confirms that Shakespeare had established himself in London, earning his living as both an actor and a playwright, with several of his plays likely being performed. The Stationers’ Register of September 20, 1592, features an article by fellow playwright Robert Greene, which includes a pointed critique of Shakespeare. This criticism is widely interpreted as Greene’s attempt to diminish Shakespeare’s achievements, implying that Shakespeare was attempting to rival established and educated playwrights like Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Nashe, and Greene himself.
Poems and Sonnets
In the early stages of his career, Shakespeare secured the patronage of Henry Wriothesley, the Earl of Southampton. This support was crucial during a period when the theaters were closed due to an outbreak of plague. Wriothesley became the dedicatee of Shakespeare’s first two published poems: Venus and Adonis (1593) and The Rape of Lucrece (1594). These lengthy narrative poems, with 1,194 and 1,855 lines respectively, marked Shakespeare’s first foray into publishing. His most renowned poetic works, however, are his 154 sonnets, first published as a collection in 1609 but believed to have been written as early as the 1590s. Scholars often categorize these sonnets into two groups: the Fair Youth sonnets (the first 126) and the Dark Lady sonnets (the final 28). The identities of these two enigmatic subjects remain a subject of ongoing scholarly debate.
The King’s Men: Life as an Actor and Playwright
In 1594, Shakespeare became a member of Lord Chamberlain’s Men, an acting company that would play a pivotal role throughout his career. Later known as the King’s Men after the accession of James I in 1603, the company became the most prominent and successful acting troupe of its time. While some accounts suggest that Shakespeare was a founding member, it is clear that he became integral to the company’s success, eventually dedicating himself more to writing than acting. As a shareholder in the company, Shakespeare benefited not only from the performances of his plays but also from their publication, with works such as Titus Andronicus and Henry VI Part 2 being printed in quarto form in 1594. By the end of 1597, Shakespeare had written around 16 of his 37 plays and had accrued significant wealth.
During this period, Shakespeare also purchased a substantial house in Stratford, known as New Place, signaling his growing prosperity. Although the journey from Stratford to London was arduous, Shakespeare likely spent the majority of his time in the capital, commuting home primarily during the Lenten season when the theaters were closed. However, some scholars, including Sir Stanley Wells, suggest that Shakespeare may have spent more time in Stratford than previously assumed, traveling to London only when necessary for his work.
The Globe Theater
In 1599, Shakespeare and several colleagues built the Globe Theater on the south bank of the Thames River, an endeavor that proved to be both a creative and financial success. Julius Caesar is thought to have been the first play performed at the new open-air theater. Owning the Globe was a lucrative venture for Shakespeare and the other investors, though the theater was not without its setbacks. In 1613, the Globe was destroyed by fire during a performance of Henry VIII, but it was quickly rebuilt and reopened the following year. The theater faced its final closure in 1642 when Puritans banned theatrical performances. It was subsequently demolished in 1644. After centuries of neglect, American actor Sam Wanamaker spearheaded efforts to reconstruct the Globe. The third Globe Theater, which opened in 1997, now attracts over 1.25 million visitors annually.
William Shakespeare’s Plays
The exact chronology of William Shakespeare’s plays is difficult to determine, but over the span of about two decades, from around 1590 to 1613, he wrote 37 plays that span three main genres: history, tragedy, and comedy. Some of his works blur the boundaries between these categories, and our understanding of them has evolved over time.
In his early career, Shakespeare adhered to the conventions of the era, using elaborate metaphors and rhetorical flourishes that did not always align with the plot or characters of his plays. However, he was highly innovative, adapting the traditional style to create a more fluid and natural flow of dialogue. Shakespeare predominantly employed unrhymed iambic pentameter (blank verse) in his plays, though he also included passages in prose and various forms of poetry, reflecting his creative flexibility.
Histories
Many of Shakespeare’s early plays are histories, dramatizing the lives and reigns of English monarchs. The Henry VI plays, Richard II, and Henry V explore the destructive consequences of weak or corrupt rulers, often interpreted as Shakespeare’s commentary on the legitimacy of the Tudor Dynasty. Other historical plays include Richard III, King John, the two Henry IV plays, and Henry VIII. With the exception of Henry VIII, which was written later, these works were likely completed by 1599.
Tragedies
While Shakespeare wrote three tragedies, including Romeo and Juliet, before 1600, it was in the years after the turn of the century that he fully delved into the genre. Plays such as Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth present complex character studies that explore timeless aspects of human nature. Hamlet, perhaps Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, examines themes of betrayal, retribution, incest, and moral decay, with characters whose flaws lead to their downfall.
Other tragic plays include Julius Caesar, written around 1599, which reflects political upheaval in Rome and may have resonated with Elizabethan audiences at a time when Queen Elizabeth I had no clear heir, creating uncertainty over the future of the monarchy. Shakespeare’s other tragedies include Titus Andronicus, Antony and Cleopatra, Timon of Athens, and Coriolanus.
Comedies
Shakespeare wrote comedies throughout his career, including his first play, The Taming of the Shrew. His early comedies, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing, and As You Like It, are known for their wit, charm, and romantic entanglements. Some of his later comedies, such as Pericles, Cymbeline, The Winter’s Tale, and The Tempest, blend comic elements with more serious tones and are sometimes considered tragicomedies. These plays generally conclude with reconciliation and forgiveness, unlike the darker tragedies of King Lear and Macbeth.
Additional comedies include The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Comedy of Errors, Love’s Labour’s Lost, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Twelfth Night, Measure for Measure, and All’s Well That Ends Well. Troilus and Cressida, often classified as a “problem play,” defies easy categorization, as it contains elements of both history and comedy.
Collaborations and Lost Plays
Shakespeare also collaborated with other playwrights, most notably with John Fletcher. Together, they co-wrote The Two Noble Kinsmen (around 1613-14), Shakespeare’s last known dramatic work. They also collaborated on Cardenio, which has been lost to history. Other jointly written works include Sir Thomas More and The Raigne of King Edward the Third. When accounting for these collaborations, Shakespeare is credited with 41 plays.
Later Years and Death
By the early 17th century, Shakespeare had become a significant property owner in Stratford-upon-Avon. Following the death of his father, John, in 1601, Shakespeare inherited the family home and later invested in additional real estate near Stratford. His entrepreneurial ventures, which included the purchase of land and leases, are believed to have provided him with the financial stability to focus more on writing.
By around 1603, Shakespeare likely retired from acting, instead devoting himself entirely to playwriting. He is believed to have spent his final years in Stratford.
When Did Shakespeare Die?
Traditionally, it is said that Shakespeare died on his 52nd birthday, April 23, 1616, though some scholars suggest this may be a myth. Church records indicate that he was interred at Holy Trinity Church on April 25, 1616. The exact cause of his death remains unknown, although many speculate that he died after a brief illness.
In his will, Shakespeare left the bulk of his estate to his eldest daughter, Susanna, who was married by that time. His wife, Anne, received his “second-best bed,” a bequest that has led to much speculation about the nature of their relationship. While some interpret this as an indication of marital discord, others point out that the term “second-best bed” likely referred to the couple’s own bed, with the “first-best bed” reserved for guests.
Shakespeare’s life and works continue to influence literature and theater, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest writers in the English language.
Legacy and Controversies
William Shakespeare, often referred to as the “Bard of Avon,” is widely regarded as the greatest dramatist in history and is sometimes called England’s national poet. His profound impact on the English language is unparalleled; he is credited with coining or introducing over 1,700 words, many through the inventive combination of words, shifts in meaning, and the incorporation of foreign roots. Common words such as “downstairs,” “egregious,” “kissing,” “zany,” and “skim milk” can be traced back to Shakespeare’s works. In addition, he popularized numerous expressions that have endured, such as “love is blind” and “wild goose chase.”
The First Folio
While some of Shakespeare’s plays were printed during his lifetime, many were not. It is thanks to the First Folio that we know of 18 of his plays, including Macbeth, Twelfth Night, and Julius Caesar. This monumental collection was assembled by Shakespeare’s friends and fellow actors, John Heminge and Henry Condell, and published in 1623, seven years after his death. Celebrating its 400th anniversary this year, the First Folio contains the only surviving edition of several of Shakespeare’s plays.
In addition to its literary significance, the First Folio includes an engraving of Shakespeare by Martin Droeshout, one of the two widely accepted portraits of the playwright, with the other being a memorial bust at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. Today, 235 copies of the First Folio survive, though experts believe around 750 were originally printed. Three subsequent editions, published between 1632 and 1685, included updated texts and additional plays.
Did Shakespeare Write His Own Plays?
More than 150 years after Shakespeare’s death, doubts began to surface regarding the authorship of his works. Scholars and literary critics suggested that individuals such as Christopher Marlowe, Edward de Vere, and Francis Bacon, men with more prestigious backgrounds and literary credentials, might have been the true authors of the plays attributed to Shakespeare.
This skepticism was fueled in part by the limited biographical information about Shakespeare and the lack of contemporaneous sources confirming his role as an actor or playwright. While official records from Holy Trinity Church and the Stratford government affirm Shakespeare’s existence, none explicitly identify him as a playwright. Moreover, skeptics questioned how someone of Shakespeare’s modest education could produce works of such intellectual depth and poetic brilliance.
The most vocal critics, including members of the Shakespeare Oxford Society, founded in 1957, have championed the theory that Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true author of Shakespeare’s works. They argue that de Vere’s aristocratic upbringing, his extensive education, and the structural similarities between his poetry and Shakespeare’s plays point to him as the real author. These critics contend that Shakespeare, with his limited education, could not have crafted such sophisticated literary works.
However, the majority of scholars firmly reject these claims, maintaining that Shakespeare authored his own plays. They note that many of his contemporaries, including other playwrights, came from modest backgrounds and yet produced significant literary works. They also point out that Shakespeare’s education at King’s New School in Stratford, which focused on Latin and the classics, would have provided a solid foundation for a literary career. Supporters argue that the lack of direct evidence about Shakespeare’s life does not imply that his accomplishments are fictitious, citing references to Shakespeare’s name on the title pages of plays and poems, as well as contemporary acknowledgments of his authorship.
Royal records from 1601 affirm that Shakespeare was recognized as a member of the King’s Men, a prominent theater company, and as a Groom of the Chamber in the court of King James I, where several of Shakespeare’s plays were performed. Furthermore, there is substantial circumstantial evidence of personal relationships with contemporaries who knew Shakespeare both as an actor and a playwright.
Literary Legacy
Shakespeare’s reputation as a playwright grew steadily during his lifetime, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that he became widely regarded as the ultimate dramatic genius. During the Romantic period and continuing into the Victorian era, his works were elevated to a central place in English literature. The 20th century saw renewed interest in his works, with new movements in scholarship and performance exploring his plays from fresh perspectives.
Today, Shakespeare’s plays are universally celebrated and remain central to the study and performance of literature. His enduring appeal lies in the depth and complexity of his characters and the universal themes of human emotion and conflict that resonate across time and cultures. Shakespeare’s work continues to inspire and challenge modern audiences, maintaining its relevance in the global literary and theatrical landscapes.