Learn some interesting facts
about William Shakespeare.
This week’s famous poet
is William Shakespeare.
Last week’s famous poet was Robert Frost.
William Shakespeare, often hailed as one of the greatest writers in the English language, created an extensive body of work that includes more than 150 poems, sonnets, and plays. He was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, to John Shakespeare, a successful glove maker and local politician, and Mary Arden, the daughter of a prosperous farmer. As one of eight siblings, Shakespeare grew up in a bustling household.
His literary contributions are a striking testament to his unparalleled creativity and insight into the human condition. Shakespeare’s works encompass a diverse array of genres, including tragedies like "Hamlet" and "Macbeth," comedies such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Twelfth Night," and historical dramas like "Henry V." These pieces have not only entertained but have also influenced countless writers and thinkers throughout the ages.
Shakespeare's ability to weave intricate plots and develop complex characters allows his works to resonate with audiences across generations. His use of language—characterized by rich imagery, inventive wordplay, and profound themes—continues to inspire and captivate readers and theatergoers worldwide, solidifying his legacy as a towering figure in world literature.
Here is a list of some poems by William Shakespeare:
- The Phoenix and the Turtle
- Sigh No More
- Fidele
- A Fairy Song
- Dear Friend
- Love
- Orpheus
- Bridal
- Silvia
- Fear No More
Attention parents and caregivers! Ensure that the poems you choose to share with your child are age-appropriate and engaging. Taking a moment to review them can create a magical experience that sparks their imagination and love for poetry!
Interesting facts about William
Shakespeare:
1. William Shakespeare was born in the market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, England, on April 23, 1564. He was the third of eight children in the Shakespeare family, and his birth marked the beginning of a remarkable life that would lead him to become one of the most celebrated playwrights and poets in the English language. Stratford, situated on the banks of the River Avon, provided a vibrant backdrop for his early years, steeped in the culture and activities of Elizabethan England. Shakespeare's contributions to literature have left an enduring legacy, with his works still widely studied and performed today.
He died on April 23, 1616, in Stratford, England. He
was fifty-two years old. He died from an unknown cause. He is buried at the Church
of the Holy Trinity in Stratford, England.
2. William Shakespeare was a renowned playwright and poet, celebrated for his profound contributions to the English literary canon. In addition to penning a multitude of acclaimed plays, he also took on the role of actor, performing in both the works he created and those written by others. His performances captivated audiences across England, including the esteemed Queen Elizabeth I, who was not only a significant patron of the arts but also a fervent admirer of Shakespeare's brilliant storytelling and poetic prowess. Throughout his illustrious career, Shakespeare wrote iconic dramas that explored the full breadth of human experience, ranging from tragedy to comedy. In the year 1613, after a successful career in the theater, he made the decision to retire from acting, leaving behind a legacy that would influence countless generations of writers and actors.
3. The following is one of William
Shakespeare’s poems, a beautiful example of his lyrical style and the themes he often explored in his poetry:
Orpheus
Orpheus with his lute
made trees
And the mountain tops
that freeze
Bow themselves when he
did sing:
To his music plants and
flowers
Ever sprung; as sun and
showers
There had made a lasting
spring.
Every thing that heard
him play,
Even the billows of the
sea,
Hung their heads and
then lay by.
In sweet music is such
art,
Killing care and grief
of heart
Fall asleep, or hearing,
die.
(You
can print out a worksheet on this poem. You will fill in the missing words in
the poem.)
4. William Shakespeare died on his birthday, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to inspire and captivate readers and audiences worldwide. He supposedly wrote this epitaph for his tomb, a testament to his wit and the lasting impact of his work:
Good friend, for Jesus'
sake forbear,
To dig the dust enclosed
here.
Blessed be the man that
spares these stones,
And cursed be he that
moves my bones.
5. William Shakespeare is believed to have received his education at the King’s New School in Stratford-upon-Avon, which was considered a prestigious institution during the late 16th century. This school was renowned for its rigorous curriculum, which emphasized the study of Latin grammar, rhetoric, and classical literature, laying a strong foundation for Shakespeare's later work as a playwright and poet. Despite this assumption, the historical records regarding Shakespeare's educational background are scarce and often inconclusive. As a result, much of what we know about his intellectual development remains shrouded in mystery, leaving scholars to speculate about the influences and experiences that shaped his extraordinary literary talents.
6. William Shakespeare had seven siblings, each of whom played a significant role in his life and work. Here is a list of their names, a glimpse into the family that shaped the world's most celebrated playwright:
- Joan Shakespeare (1558-1559*)
- Margaret Shakespeare (1562-1563)
- Gilbert Shakespeare (1566-1612)
- Joan Shakespeare (1569-1646)
- Anne Shakespeare (1571-1579)
- Richard Shakespeare (1574-1613)
- Edmund Shakespeare (1580-1607)
7. William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway
when he was 18 years old. They had three children. The two youngest children
were fraternal twins. Here is a list of their children:
- Susanna Shakespeare Hall (1583-1649)
- Hamnet Shakespeare (1585-1596)
- Judith Shakespeare Quiney (1585-1662)
8. He wrote over thirty-five plays, each with its unique themes and characters. His plays have been translated into almost every language in the world, a testament to their universal appeal. Here is a list of some of William Shakespeare’s plays, each of which has left an indelible mark on the world of literature and theater:
- Romeo and Juliet
- Othello
- King Lear
- Julius Ceasar
- Henry V
- The Tempest
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Much Ado About Nothing
- The Comedy of Errors
- The Winter’s Tale
- Macbeth
9. Actress Anne Jacqueline Hathaway, known for her remarkable performances in films such as "Les Misérables" and "The Devil Wears Prada," was named after a notable historical figure—William Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway. The original Anne Hathaway was an Englishwoman who married the famous playwright in 1582 when she was 26 years old, while he was just 18. This distinctive connection to one of the most celebrated figures in English literature adds an intriguing layer to the actress’s identity.
Do you have an interesting fact about William Shakespeare? We'd love to hear from you! Share your insights with our community in the comments section below.
Get
your printable William Shakespeare worksheet here:
Visit my printable section for a wide selection of worksheets and coloring sheets!
Books
by William Shakespeare and others:
1. What's So Great About
Shakespeare? by Sam Rogers
2. Much Ado About
Nothing for Kids by Lois Burdett and Denzel Washington
3. The Tempest |
Shakespeare for Kids by Jeanette Vigon
Parents and caregivers, ensure the books you read to your child or children are suitable for them.
Tune in next week to
learn some quick facts about Sylvia Plath!
I understand that poetry holds a special place in many hearts. If you're interested, you can find the Famous Poets Workbook on Amazon. Click on the book for more details and immerse yourself in the beauty of poetry.
“Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.”—William Shakespeare
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