William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. With a career spanning over two decades, he wrote at least 38 plays and 154 sonnets, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence art, literature, and culture to this day. From his humble beginnings to his rise as a renowned playwright, Shakespeare’s life and works are filled with interesting facts and anecdotes.
1. The Playwright’s Views on Politics
Shakespeare’s plays often explore complex political themes and issues, including power, corruption, and the nature of leadership.
2. Shakespeare’s Will
Shakespeare’s will, written in 1616, leaves his wife his “second-best bed.” This has led to speculation about the state of their marriage and the value of the bed in question.
3. Influence on the English Language
Shakespeare’s writings have had a profound influence on the English language, introducing over 1700 words and phrases that are still in use today, including “assassination,” “bedazzled,” and “fashionable.”
4. Romeo and Juliet’s Enduring Popularity
Romeo and Juliet remains one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, with its story of star-crossed lovers continuing to captivate audiences around the world.
5. The Sonnets
Shakespeare’s sonnets are known for their beautiful language and exploration of themes such as love, beauty, and mortality.
However, the identity of the “Fair Youth” and the “Dark Lady” addressed in the sonnets remains a mystery.
6. The Tempest’s Significance
The Tempest is believed by some to be Shakespeare’s farewell to the theatre, with the character of Prospero representing the playwright himself.
7. Collaboration with Other Playwrights
Shakespeare collaborated with other playwrights on several occasions, including George Wilkins on Pericles, Prince of Tyre and John Fletcher on Henry VIII and The Two Noble Kinsmen.
8. Property Owner
Shakespeare owned several properties in Stratford, including his family home, New Place, and a second house on Henley Street.
9. Death and Burial
Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52. He was buried in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford, where his grave remains to this day.
10. The First Folio
The First Folio, published in 1623, is the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays. It includes 36 plays, but notably excludes Pericles, Prince of Tyre and The Two Noble Kinsmen, which are now considered part of the Shakespearean canon.
11. The Playwright’s Reputation
During his lifetime, Shakespeare was not universally admired as a playwright. Some critics saw him as a “upstart crow” who was “beautified with our feathers.”
12. The Globe Theatre
The original Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed, burned down in 1613 during a production of Henry VIII. A modern reconstruction of the theatre now stands in London.
13. The Shakespeare Family Crest
The Shakespeare family crest features a spear and the motto “Non Sanz Droict,” which means “Not without right.” This crest was granted to Shakespeare’s father in 1596.
14. Shakespeare’s Income
As a shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, Shakespeare earned a significant income from the theatre, estimated to be around £200 per year, a substantial amount for the time.
15. The Missing Years
Shakespeare’s life between 1585 and 1592 is not well-documented, leading to speculation about his activities during this period.
Some believe he may have worked as a teacher, a soldier, or even a spy, while others think he might have been traveling or studying law.
16. A Midsummer Night’s Dream’s Influence
A Midsummer Night’s Dream has had a significant influence on Western culture, inspiring countless adaptations, parodies, and references in art, literature, and film.
17. Legacy and Timelessness
Shakespeare’s legacy extends far beyond his own time and culture, with his plays and poems continuing to inspire new adaptations, interpretations, and works of art to this day.
His influence can be seen in literature, film, theatre, and music, ensuring his place as one of the greatest writers in the English language.
18. Performance at Court
Shakespeare’s company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, performed at court on several occasions, including for Queen Elizabeth I and King James I.
19. Epitaph
Shakespeare’s epitaph, written by himself, reads: “Good friend, for Jesus’ sake forbeare / To dig the dust enclosed heare. / Blessed be the man that spares thes stones, / And curst be he that moves my bones.”
20. The Printing of Plays
During Shakespeare’s lifetime, plays were not typically printed, and those that were often contained errors or variations from the original text. This has led to difficulties in establishing definitive versions of his plays.
21. Pirated Editions
Several of Shakespeare’s plays were pirated and printed without his permission, leading to variations in the text and potential losses for the playwright and his company.
22. Lost Plays
Shakespeare wrote at least two plays that have been lost to time: Love’s Labour’s Won and The History of Cardenio. While some fragments and references to these plays remain, their complete texts are now unknown.
23. Hamnet’s Death
Shakespeare’s only son, Hamnet, died at the age of 11. This event may have influenced his writing, particularly in plays such as Hamlet.
24. Shakespeare’s Education
While Shakespeare’s education is not well-documented, it is believed that he attended the Stratford Grammar School, where he would have studied Latin, Greek, and classical literature.
25. The Use of Imagery
Shakespeare’s writings are known for their rich and vivid imagery, which has been praised for its ability to evoke powerful emotions and create complex characters.
26. Shakespeare’s Signature
The Bard’s signature is found on only six documents, and each one is slightly different. This has led some to question whether the signatures are genuine or if they were added later by forgers or collectors.
27. Marriage and Children
Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway when he was 18 and she was 26. They had three children: Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith.
Peruse More Thought-Provoking Facts:
25 Insane Football Facts Every Fan Should Know
30 Earth-Shattering Events That Shaped Our Planet
28 Weird Phobia Facts That’ll Leave You Speechless!
