The Bard of Avon.

To be or not to be was Shakespeare’s question. Who was Shakespeare is the question. Shakespeare isn’t widely recognised amongst our generation and very little people know about who Shakespeare was and how significant he was in the history of English literature.  William Shakespeare, often known as the “Bard of Avon”, was born on the 26^th of April 1564 and passed away on the 23^rd of April 1616. The Bard was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon. He was widely known as one of the greatest writers in the English language and was acknowledged for his famous poems and plays.  

In 1582, at the age of 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, whom was the daughter of a farmer from a nearby village called “Shottery”. In 1582, Anne conceived their first daughter of the name Susana, and then had twins, Hamnet and Judith. However unfortunately, Hamnet died in 1585 at the age of 11. Approximately around 1588, Shakespeare and his family moved to London and within a few years was given the fortunate success as an actor, a poet as well as a famous playwright. A major factor that resulted in his success, were the Sonnets that he wrote. The sonnets established his wide reputation as a talented and famous poet, however the 38 plays that he wrote have established his global reputation as the most prominent dramatist who ever lived.

The Bard, in 1594, became a charter member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a theatrical company. He first worked in theatres owned by James Burbage, the Theatre and the Curtain. Most of his plays were performed at the courts of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, who became the sponsor of his theatrical troupe in 1603, The Kings Men.

Shakespeare’s work was divided into four time phrases. His early plays (1589-1595) were experimental and included historical themed plays, that was the popular genre of the period which included medieval tragedies and a range of comedies. The second period, from 1595 to 1600 featured significant plays that dealt with English history. During his 3^rd period (1600-1608) “Great Tragedies” was known as his most prominent work. Hamlet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth were also written during this time period. Shakespeare’s 4^th period, included his profound romantic writing, such as “The Tempest” and “Romeo and Juliet”