Shakespeare: His History and Impact on the 21st Century

When you hear the names “Romeo and Juliet”, the first person that comes to mind might be Shakespeare. This represents the imprint that a person who has been referred to as “one of the greatest writers in the English language” can leave on the world of literature. Shakespeare's trademarks were comedic and tragic plays that left and continue to leave lasting impressions on people who are exposed to them. William Shakespeare, a 16th century playwright, is composed of many layers, like his plays. Even after death, his works have had a profound influence on the development of today's modern literature and performing arts.

According to the William Shakespeare Biography website, it all began in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, April 26th, 1564, which is said to be the time and place where William Shakespeare was baptized. Although he was baptized on April 26, his assigned birth date was April 23, 1564. His father, John Shakespeare, was a leather merchant and his mother Mary Arden, was an heiress of local land. He had two older sisters named Joan and Judith. William was the third child of Mary and John and had three younger brothers as well: Gilbert, Richard, and Edmund. Referring back to William Shakespeare Biography, “Scant records exist of William's childhood, and virtually none regarding his education.” Like the website mentioned, there are not many records of Shakespeare's childhood or education, but there are some speculations that he attended The King's New school. This school taught reading, writing, and the classics, which would make William more than qualified to attend this school judging from his plays and sonnets.

Barraza 2

After Shakespeare completed his studies at school, he got married at age eightee...

... middle of paper ...

...d sonnets. There is a reason why his works are still read and analyzed worldwide and “Shakespeare's Globe” was rebuilt for a third time. He helped expand the vocabulary of the 21st century and gave the world of performing arts a boost through the creation of “Shakespeare's Globe.”

Works Cited

Carson, Christie, and Farah Karim-Cooper, eds.Shakespeare's Globe: a theatrical experiment. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008.

"Othello: The Moor of Venice/ Life and Works of William Shakespeare." N.p., 10 Mar. 2014. Web.

"Shakespeare's Globe: About Us - Original Globe / Shakespeare's Globe."Shakespeare's Globe: About Us - Original Globe / Shakespeare's Globe. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2014.

"William Shakespeare - Biography."William Shakespeare. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.

"William Shakespeare Biography."Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2014.