The Life and Works of William Shakespeare

1. William Shakespeare 1564-1616

2. Childhood • Born April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon -actual date uncertain. • Very little is known about his younger life.

3. Parents • His dad, John, was a successful glove maker and local politician.

4. Parents • His mom, Mary Arden, was the daughter of a well-to-do farmer. • Both parents were illiterate.

5. Young Adult • William loved to read and improved himself through books • He never went to college, but was considered the most widely educated man who ever lived.

6. Married Life • At 18, William married Anne Hathaway. • Anne was 26 and pregnant with their daughter Susanna when they got married. • They also had twins- Judith and Hamnet. Hamnet died at age 11.

7. The Lost Years • Ten years between Stratford and London that we know nothing about.

8. London • Shakespeare moved to become an actor and a playwright. • He joined a company of actors known as The Lord Chamberlain’s men. -renamed The King’s men.

9. Globe Theater • In 1598, he built his own theater – The Globe.

10. Globe Theater

11. His Writings • He is considered the greatest writer of English literature. • Shakespeare wrote 37 plays (comedies, histories, and tragedies), 2 narrative poems, and 154 sonnets.

12. His Writings • Original dates of plays are unknown since they were written to be performed. • A collection of his plays were published in 1623 by two fellow-actors.

13. His Writings

14. His Death • William Shakespeare died on April 23,1616