Shakespeare's Early Life
Born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare was the third of eight children. His father, John, was a glove-maker. Young William likely attended the King’s New School, where he studied Latin and classical literature.
The Lost Years Mystery
Between 1585 and 1592, Shakespeare's whereabouts and activities are unknown. This period, known as 'the lost years', remains a puzzle for scholars, sparking speculation about espionage, teaching, or even illegal activities.
Innovative Word Creator
Shakespeare enriched the English language, inventing over 1,700 words. Terms like 'bedazzled', 'swagger', and 'fashionable' first appeared in his works. His linguistic creativity significantly expanded the lexicon of the time.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare's plays were performed, was partly owned by him. It opened in 1599 and was unique for its time, providing a venue dedicated to the playwright's works.
Female Roles in Plays
Women were not allowed to perform on stage during Shakespeare's time. Male actors and apprentices played female roles. This practice added complex layers to his works, especially in the portrayal of gender and identity.
Shakespeare's Secret Co-Author
Recent textual analyses suggest that some of Shakespeare's plays, such as 'Henry VI', may have been co-authored with Christopher Marlowe. This challenges the notion of Shakespeare as a solitary genius.
The Shakespeare Authorship Question
Controversy exists over whether Shakespeare actually wrote his plays. Some theorists propose figures like Edward de Vere as the true author. However, the majority of scholars support Shakespeare's authorship based on historical evidence.
Where was Shakespeare born?
London, England
Stratford-upon-Avon
Edinburgh, Scotland
Company
