Shakespeare's Childhood and Family
Shakespeare's family and early life in Stratford played a crucial role in shaping his future as a literary genius. Born in 1564 to a wealthy family in Stratford-upon-Avon, young Shakespeare received a comprehensive education at the local grammar school. Here, he learned to read and write in Latin and Ancient Greek, as well as English.
Example: Shakespeare's early exposure to theatre came through travelling acting companies that visited Stratford-upon-Avon.
At the age of 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, the daughter of a local farmer. The couple had three children: Susanna, born in 1583, and twins Hamnet and Judith, born in 1585.
Shakespeare's work encompassed various genres, including comedies, tragedies, and histories. Some plays, known as "problem plays," defy easy categorization.
Definition: Problem plays - Shakespearean works that are difficult to classify into a single genre due to their complex themes and tones.
Examples of Shakespeare's diverse works include:
- Romeo and Juliet (tragedy)
- Richard III (history)
- A Midsummer Night's Dream (comedy)
- The Merchant of Venice (problem play)
In addition to his plays, Shakespeare was also a prolific poet, writing three long narrative poems and 154 sonnets. His most famous sonnet is Sonnet 18, which begins with the line "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"
Quote: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" - Opening line of Shakespeare's Sonnet 18
Shakespeare often drew inspiration from existing stories, adapting them into his own unique versions. For instance, the plots of Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet were based on popular Italian stories that had been translated into French and then English.
After retiring around 1611, Shakespeare returned to Stratford-upon-Avon. He died in 1616 at the age of 52 and was buried at Holy Trinity Church in his hometown. His legacy lives on through his 37 plays and over 150 poems, which continue to be studied and performed worldwide.
