There are great authors in the world. But, do you know, there are certain facts about William Shakespeare that will blow your mind?
Many people consider William Shakespeare to be the best English-language writer ever and one of the most important authors in all of literature. His works have shaped the genres of drama, poetry, and comedy, and have inspired countless adaptations and interpretations. But how much do you really know about the Bard of Avon?
In this blog, we will explore some of the most interesting and surprising facts about William Shakespeare, from his personal life and family to his career and legacy.
We are covering the below-mentioned points for you to understand the depth of this blog.
- Who is William Shakespeare?
- Cherishing Shakespeare’s Legacy
- Fascinating Facts About William Shakespeare
- Treasure of Shakespeare’s Quotes
- Conclusion
Who is William Shakespeare?
Before we dive directly into the facts of William Shakespeare, let us have a brief look at him.
William Shakespeare, a name synonymous with the English language and theatrical brilliance, continues to fascinate audiences centuries after his death. Born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, Shakespeare’s early life remains shrouded in some mystery. By the late 1580s, however, he had found his calling in London’s thriving theatre scene.
Joining the prestigious Lord Chamberlain’s Men (later known as the King’s Men), Shakespeare became a prominent playwright and actor.
His prolific writing career saw the birth of numerous plays, ranging from the humorous A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night to the historical King Henry V and Richard III, and the timeless tragedies Hamlet and Macbeth. These plays captivated audiences with their rich language, unforgettable characters, and ever-relevant themes of love, loss, power, and ambition.
Beyond plays, Shakespeare also penned sonnets and narrative poems, further showcasing his mastery of language and storytelling.
In the early 1610s, Shakespeare retired to Stratford, though his creative spark continued to ignite until his death in 1616. Popular in his lifetime, his works continued to be performed and admired for generations to come.
Shakespeare’s influence on the English language is undeniable, with countless words and phrases originating from his plays. Even today, his works are performed and studied around the world, a testament to his enduring genius as the Bard of Avon.
Cherishing Shakespeare’s Legacy
In his more than two decades of professional career, he wrote some amazing acts and poems. He has worked on different genres, which are still studied by several theater artists and writers. Here we mention a couple of Shakespeare’s masterpieces.
Plays
- Comedies: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew, The Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing
- Histories: Richard III, Julius Caesar, King Henry V, Henry IV (Parts 1 & 2)
- Tragedies: Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear
- Romances: The Tempest, The Winter’s Tale, Cymbeline, Pericles, Prince of Tyre
Poetry
- Sonnets: Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets, exploring themes of love, loss, beauty, and mortality. Some of the most famous include Sonnet 18 (“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”), Sonnet 116 (“Let me not to the marriage of true minds”), and Sonnet 138 (“When my love swears that she is made of truth”).
- Narrative poems: Venus and Adonis, The Rape of Lucrece
Fascinating Facts About William Shakespeare
1. Mysterious Gaps in His Biography:
While much is known about Shakespeare’s later life and career, there’s a period between 1585 and 1592, often referred to as his “lost years,” where there are no documented records of his activities. Historians have offered various theories, ranging from him being an actor traveling with a troupe to being a schoolteacher or even a spy, but none can be definitively proven.
2. Shakespeare’s Vocabulary and Influence:
We often credit Shakespeare with coining new words, but the reality is more nuanced. He wasn’t necessarily inventing words, but rather adopting and popularizing existing slang, regional dialects, and technical terms from other fields. This innovative use of language helped shape the English language as we know it.
3. Shakespeare’s Business Acumen:
Beyond being a playwright, Shakespeare was a shrewd businessman. He invested in acting companies, including the Globe Theatre, and even purchased property in Stratford-upon-Avon, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
4. Second-Best Bed Mystery:
Shakespeare famously bequeathed his wife Anne “my second best bed.” While this has been interpreted as disrespectful, there are alternative explanations. In that era, the “best bed” was often reserved for guests, while the couple slept in the second-best bed, making it the one most associated with daily life and intimacy. Therefore, leaving it to Anne could be seen as a sentimental gesture.
5. Shakespeare’s Collaborations:
While Shakespeare is often considered a solitary genius, recent research suggests he likely collaborated with other playwrights on several works. This collaborative approach was common in the Elizabethan era, and acknowledging it provides a more nuanced picture of Shakespeare’s creative process.
6. The Mystery of His Name:
We might not even be spelling his name correctly! There are over 80 different variations of his signature and written name found throughout documents, with none perfectly matching the modern “William Shakespeare.” This inconsistency reflects the looser spelling standards of the time and adds another layer of intrigue to understanding the man himself.
7. The Shakespearean Curse:
Shakespeare’s tomb in Stratford-upon-Avon features a chilling inscription that warns against disturbing his bones. The inscription reads: “Good friend, for Jesus’ sake forbear, To dig the dust enclosed here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And curst be he that moves my bones.” Interestingly, no one has dared to excavate his grave since 1747, fearing the potential curse!
8. The “Shakespeare Authorship Question”:
While widely debunked by scholars, there’s a fringe theory that someone other than Shakespeare wrote his plays. Arguments often center around the seemingly unlikely education and background of Shakespeare for such sophisticated works. However, most evidence points towards Shakespeare being the true author.
Treasure of Shakespeare’s Quotes
The mysterious and fascinating facts about William Shakespeare will always be interesting. However, it is hard not to mention some extraordinary quotes that were just dialogue back then.
William Shakespeare’s words have stood the test of time and language, leaving a treasury of memorable lines that continue to captivate readers and spectators today. Here are a few of his most popular quotes:
- “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”
- “The course of true love never did run smooth.”
- “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
- “It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”
Falling Down Curtains on Facts About William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare’s life and works remain a source of fascination centuries after his time. From his captivating plays to his thought-provoking sonnets, his legacy continues to inspire, entertain, and challenge us. As we delve into the mysteries surrounding the Bard, we gain a deeper appreciation for his timeless genius and the enduring power of his words.
His characters grapple with universal themes that transcend time and place, offering profound insights into love, loss, ambition, and the human condition. So, take a chance, pick up a play, or visit a theatre. You might be surprised by the depth, humor, and enduring relevance Shakespeare’s words hold even today.
We hope the facts about William Shakespeare were fascinating enough to make your day curious!
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