William Shakespeare
- Born:
- Baptised April 26, 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Died:
- April 23, 1616, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Playwright, Poet, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Son of John Shakespeare, a glover and local politician, and Mary Arden, daughter of a wealthy farmer.
- Likely attended Stratford Grammar School, receiving a classical education.
- Limited documentation exists regarding his formal education beyond grammar school.
Career and Major Achievements
- By 1592, had established himself as an actor and playwright in London.
- Member and later part-owner of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men.
- The King's Men performed at the Globe Theatre and Blackfriars Theatre.
- Wrote approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several other poems.
Notable Works
Plays
| Genre | Title | Approximate Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tragedy | Hamlet | 1600-1601 |
| Tragedy | Romeo and Juliet | 1594-1596 |
| Tragedy | Othello | 1603 |
| Tragedy | King Lear | 1605-1606 |
| Comedy | A Midsummer Night's Dream | 1595-1596 |
| Comedy | Twelfth Night | 1601-1602 |
| History | Richard III | 1592-1593 |
| History | Henry V | 1599 |
Poems
- Shakespeare's Sonnets
- Venus and Adonis
- The Rape of Lucrece
Legacy and Impact
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are constantly studied, performed, and reinterpreted in diverse cultural and political contexts throughout the world. The study of his life, as exemplified by biographies, including an 'mpho koaho biography of william shakespeare', contributes significantly to the ongoing understanding of his works and their enduring influence.