William Shakespeare or often called Shakespeare was an English poet and dramatist. There is no information about his birth date. But, a record at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon indicates that he was baptized on April 26, 1564. However, his birthday is traditionally celebrated on April 23. His parents were John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. He was the third child of his parents. His father was a leather merchant, and, his mother was a local landed heiress. Shakespeare had two older sisters named Joan and Judith, and three younger brothers named Gilbert, Richard, and Edmund.
At the age of six or seven, Shakespeare began his education at the Stratford grammar school. It has been perceived by historians that, at this school, he learned writing and reading. His writing abilities are full of intellect and perceptiveness. While reading his work, one can find he had a great understanding of complex human emotions and conflicts that one faces.
Even though other writers of his time like Thomas Dekker and John Webster have also written some great contemporaries, but Shakespeare is vividly imaginative with words and images. His mental energy was such that it makes intelligible human situations, into memorable expressions that are convincing and imaginatively stimulating stories. However, it is unclear how his career in the theatre began. Reportedly, it was from the year 1594 onward. He became an important member of the Lord Chamberlain’s company of players (called the King’s Men after the accession of James I in 1603).
Shakespeare is called England’s national poet. Around the world, he is considered the greatest dramatist of all time. His works are appreciated by people around the globe. However, Shakespeare’s personal life is enveloped in mystery.
William Shakespeare was married to Anne Hathaway. Anne was the daughter of a family friend of Shakespeare. They lived in the nearby village of Shottery. They were very young, she was 26 and he was 18. The couple married in 1582. Shortly after their marriage, they had a daughter named Susanna. Around 1585, they had twins, Hamnet and Judith.
If you ask a literature critic what is the best play written by William Shakespeare. The answer would definitely take a long time and it might even be more than one play. As Shakespeare’s plays mostly focused on the life of humans, the complexities, love, and relationships, his plays have lived through time. Here’s a list of the greatest plays ever written by Shakespear:
| Name of the Play | Year |
| Hamlet | 1611 |
| Romeo and Juliet | 1597 |
| Macbeth | 1606 |
| The Tempest | 1623 |
| King Lear | 1606 |
| The Merchant of Venice | 1600 |
| Twelfth Night | 1602 |
| Richard III | 1597 |
| As You Like It | 1623 |