William Shakespeare: Life, Plays, and Elizabethan Era

William Shakespeare

Importance of the Author

Despite his great fame as a playwright, William Shakespeare, one of the greatest literary figures in England, remains somewhat enigmatic. There is limited information available about his life, which makes it challenging to fully understand his work.

Origin

Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, a small rural town located on the banks of the River Avon, approximately 130km from London, on April 23, 1564.

Historical Background

The historical background is that of Elizabethan England. The country was beginning to recover after a long period of war: first, the Hundred Years' War, then the Wars of the Roses, and finally, civil strife between Henry VIII and his children, Edward VI and Mary Tudor. When Queen Elizabeth I ascended to the throne, the country recovered and began to experience inner peace. Shakespeare's life began during this period of stability. Throughout his life, he wrote 36 comedies and dramas, 2 poems, and 154 sonnets.

Studies

Shakespeare's formal education was not extensive, and he is considered largely self-taught. At the age of seven, he entered the Grammar School in Stratford, but he had to interrupt his studies at twelve. His father, John Shakespeare, experienced financial ruin, and the young Shakespeare went to work, performing various jobs.

First Contact with the Theater

Shakespeare's first contact with the theater was in 1575 when his father took him to Kenilworth to see an open-air play in tribute to Queen Elizabeth.

Importance of Theater by 1590

Since 1590, theater had experienced a great boom in England, as the number and importance of theater companies had increased. This was largely because Queen Elizabeth *loved the theater and music*.

Works in Chronological Order

It seems that during this time, Shakespeare wrote his first comedies, such as The Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Romeo and Juliet.

Importance of the Burbage Company

Shakespeare had a great friendship with Burbage, the lead actor in one of the leading companies, which established the first theater in England. From then on, his entire career as an author and actor would be linked to the *Burbage company*.

How Queen Elizabeth's Support Helped Shakespeare

At this time, one of Queen Elizabeth's hobbies was attending the theater. Shakespeare was protected by the Earl of Southampton and Edmund Spenser.

Importance of the Globe Theatre

The Globe, one of the most famous theaters, was well-known in its time. In his Globe Theatre, he began to stage his great tragedies: Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, and King Lear.

Tragic Events at the Time in Relation to the Theater

In 1610, he retired from the theater and went to live in Stratford. He wrote his last three plays: Cymbeline, The Winter's Tale, and ...