William Shakespeare: Greatest Poet & Playwright

Englands greatest poet and playwright was born in Stratford, the son of a tradesman and Alderman of Stratford, John Shakespe are in 1564. William, the eldest son, and third child of eight, was baptized on the 26th April 1564. He received his early education at Stratford Grammar School, provided little is known of his demeanor up to his eighteenth year. His Grammar School curriculum would check provided a formidable linguistic, and to some extent literary education. It is noted that he did not like grammar but did have a love for dramatics.Shakespeare attended Kings New School in Stratford which was one of the best grammar schools. Shakespeare read many books. He utilize some of these books as sources for his plays.One of his most prominent sources of literature was the book The Union of the Two Noble and Illustre families of Lancaster and York written by Hall. Shakespeare used this book to help inscribe his plays about many kings including three plays about Henry VI and a play wr itten about Richard III. Also he wrote Othello on the cornerstone of Hecatommithi and Twelfth Night on the basis of His Fare wellhead to Military Profession. More than fifty percent of Shakespeares plays were influenced from various groups of topics.Other things that influenced Shakespeares plays were his life experiences. As a young boy dramatic events that occurred led to his committal to writing of Hamlet. The drowning of a girl named Katherine he knew was also a source of his playwriting.History affected his writing as well. One of Shakespeares most heralded plays was based on the life and demise of Julius Caesar. He gathered information about Caesar, and with his literary splendor wrote about Caesar and his story in a unique perspective. Also the life of Marc Antony was very influential in one of Shakespeares great plays, as well as the bible and other chronicles. Many of these influences were brought upon by his education, which taught his a lot about history and its figure s.Many reasons can be given for Shakespeares terrific appeal. His fame basically is from his great understanding of human nature. He was able to find universal human qualities and put them in a dramatic situation creating characters that are timeless. to that degree he had the ability to create characters that are highly individual human beings. Their struggles in life are universal. Sometimes they are successful and sometimes their lives are full of pain, suffering, and failure.In addition to his understanding and realistic view of human nature, Shakespeare had a vast knowledge of a variety of subjects. These subjects include music, law, Bible, stage, art, politics, history, hunting, and sports. Shakespeare had a marvelous influence on culture and literature throughout the world. He contributed greatly to the development of the English language. Many words and phrases from Shakespeares plays and poems have become part of our speech.Shakespeares plays and poems have become a req uired part of education in the United States. Therefore, his ideas on subjects such as romantic love, heroism, comedy, and tragedy have helped shape the attitudes of millions of people. His translation of historical figures and events has influenced our thinking more than what has been written in history books. The world has admired and respected many great writers, but only Shakespeare has generated such enormous continuing interest.