Spotlight: Simply Shakespeare
Ah, Shakespeare…viewed as one of the greatest (if not the greatest) writers in the English language, Shakespeare’s works consists of 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. His works have been translated into almost every language, and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.
William Shakespeare (April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616) was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He married Anne Hathaway at the age of 18, and they went on to have three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. Shakespeare had a successful career during 1585 and 1592 as an actor, writer, and part owner of the Lord Chamberlin’s Men. He retired to Stratford around 1613, where he died three years later. There are very few details about Shakespeare’s private life, which leads to various speculations.
His work, however, speaks volumes. Most of his greatest works were published between 1590 and 1613. His early plays were mainly comedies and histories (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Taming of the Shrew, King Richard II). Next, he moved onto tragedies (Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Antony and Cleopatra) until about 1608. In his last phase, he wrote tragicomedies (also known as romances) and collaborated with other playwrights.
It is amazing that although Shakespeare was talented and respected in his day, his reputation did not rise until the nineteenth century. In the twentieth century, his work was repeatedly adopted and rediscovered. Even today his work remains relevant and important in cultural contexts around the world.
If you have never read a Shakespeare play, Simply Charly encourages you to read one…it is an experience! For a complete list of his works, visit the Writings page on Simply Shakespeare. And you can pick up one of those Shakespeare books at the Simply Shakespeare Store.
Happy learning!