Shakespeare

Introduction

Shakespeare was a very exciting man who had a very interesting life. Surprisingly for the world's greatest playwright, there is actually very little about Shakespeare's life. Few details have come from church records, land titles and the written opinions of others. Very little is known about Shakespeare, the best playwright of all time.

Background Information

Shakespeare was born on April 23rd, 1564, in Stratford, England. The date is not a hundred percent accurate due to the fact that at that time the only date of importance was the date of baptism. Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564. His father’s name was John Shakespeare and his mother’s was Mary Arden. Both his parents were Anglican and were respected in the community. (Clarice Swisher)

Shakespeare was married to Anne Hathaway in 1582, when he was 18 and she was 26. The exact wedding date is unsure, but the marriage certificate was issued on November 27, 1582. William and Anne had their first child, Susanna, in May of 1583. (Clarice Swisher) In January of 1585 Anne gave birth to twins, Hamnet and Judith. Most historians believe that Shakespeare was not often around his family in Stratford after that because historical records show him in London during the following years. (Clarice Swisher) Shakespeare’s relationship with Anne is very controversial. Some historians say that he didn’t love her and just married her for the sake of marriage. Others say that this isn’t true. Very little is known about Shakespeare’s education. Maria Kniery (Shakespeare historian) says that the King’s New Grammar School taught boys basic reading and writing and Shakespeare had learned his basic grammar from there. It is assumed that William attended this school since it existed to educate the sons of Stratford but there is no definite proof. Also, a lack of evidence suggests that William, whose works are studied across the world at Universities, never attended one himself. (The world of Shakespeare)

Findings

Shakespeare was an amazing playwright. He is known