William Shakespeare (1564-1615): English playwright and poet who wrote during the English Renaissance under Queen Elizabeth I
William Shakespeare
Shakespeare worked in the Tragedy, Comedy, History, and Romance genres, and all of his plays were written for performance in London’s revolutionary Globe Theatre. Since his death in 1616, 38 plays and 154 sonnets have been attributed to Shakespeare, although many were not published until after his death. While not much is known about the Bard personally, his prolific writings are a staple of Western literature today.
Shakespeare often worked in blank verse which is unrhymed iambic pentameter. It was a revolutionary style for its time, because it was the only poetic rhythm that most closely matched the natural rhythm of everyday conversation. In order to maintain his rhythm, Shakespeare made up lots of new words, many of which have been integrated into our modern vocabulary. Many of the most famous lines in literary history were penned by William Shakespeare. They often challenge the way we look at love, revenge, greed, and corruption.
Shakespeare is known for creating memorable characters and stories that are still studied and analyzed, and for implementing beautiful and powerful language into his plays and poetry. His Sonnets are so well-known that the “English Sonnet” form is now called the “Shakespearean Sonnet” by many scholars, poets, and teachers.
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Try it for Free!William Shakespeare Quotes
”Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em.”
"This above all: to thine own self be true.”
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
Check out all of our Shakespeare Resources
- Types of Shakespeare Plays
- Romeo and Juliet
- Macbeth
- Hamlet
- Othello
- Julius Caesar
- Richard III
- King Lear
- The Tempest
- Twelfth Night
- Sonnet 73
- A Midsummer Night's Dream
- Picture Encyclopedia of Shakespeare Plays
How Tos about William Shakespeare - Playwright
Plan an engaging classroom lesson about William Shakespeare
Begin by introducing William Shakespeare using a brief biography and fun facts. Share images and stories to spark curiosity and connect his life to your students' world.
Select kid-friendly Shakespeare plays and excerpts
Choose age-appropriate scenes from plays like A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Romeo and Juliet. Look for parts that are easy to read and act out to keep students interested.
Organize a short play reading or performance
Assign roles and let students read aloud or act out a scene. Encourage creativity with simple props or costumes to make Shakespeare come alive in your classroom.
Discuss the meaning and language of Shakespeare
Explore famous phrases and words that Shakespeare invented. Help students decode old-fashioned language and relate it to modern speech for better understanding.
Connect Shakespeare to students’ lives with a creative activity
Invite students to write their own short scene or poem inspired by Shakespeare’s style. Encourage sharing and celebrate their creativity to deepen appreciation for his work.
Frequently Asked Questions about William Shakespeare - Playwright
Who was William Shakespeare?
William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. He lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries and wrote famous plays like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth.
What are some famous plays written by William Shakespeare?
Some of Shakespeare's most famous plays include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. These works are studied worldwide for their powerful storytelling and language.
Why is William Shakespeare important in literature?
Shakespeare is important because his works have shaped the English language and literature. His plays explore universal themes like love, power, and betrayal, making them relevant across generations and cultures.
How can teachers introduce Shakespeare to students?
Teachers can introduce Shakespeare by using short summaries, acting out scenes, discussing characters, and connecting themes to students' lives. Visual aids and modern adaptations also help make his works accessible and engaging.
What is the difference between Shakespeare's tragedies and comedies?
Shakespeare's tragedies like Hamlet and Macbeth feature serious themes and usually end with loss, while his comedies such as A Midsummer Night's Dream have lighter plots, mistaken identities, and happy endings.
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