Synopses of Shakespeare 

William Shakespeare is recognized as one of literature’s greatest influences and widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English Language. He was born in 1564 to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden in Stratford-upon-Avon. His birthday is unknown but from his baptismal records it can be ascertained that he was born in 1564. He was the third child of eight siblings.

It is believed that Shakespeare attended the King’s New School in Stratford. Very little is known about his life after this, up until a bond certificate dated November the 28th, 1582, reveals that an eighteen year old William married the twenty-six and pregnant Anne Hathaway. Seven months later they had their first daughter Susanna, William and Anne also welcomed twin Hamnet and Judith in February 1592.

It is not known exactly when Shakespeare began writing, but contemporary allusions and records of performances show that several of his plays were on the London stage by 1592. From 1594, Shakespeare's plays were performed only by the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later renamed King’s Men), a company owned by a group of players, including Shakespeare. It soon became the leading playing company in London. Shakespeare’s work includes 38 plays and 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. Amongst these, his well-known plays include: Richard Ш, The Taming of the Shrew, King Lear, The Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth  and Hamlet.

Shakespeare retired to Stratford in 1616 where he passed away on April 23rd, 1616 and was survived by his wife and two daughters. Many of Shakespeare’s plays were later developed into films, reinterpreted or used as the main idea behind many literary works. Shakespeare is deemed as one of the greatest writers due to his versatility and genius within his work. His plays and poems have been translated in many languages worldwide.