There are many authors that are widely read. However, none are more
universally read and studied than the great William Shakespeare of the
late 16th and early 17th centuries. His plays and poems have moved
millions of people, unofficially giving him the well-deserved title of
the greatest of all dramatists. Shakespeare is the basis for
excellence in literacy and theatrical performances. Although
occasionally confusing to the reader, Shakespeare's work is a blend of
inspirational quotes and dramatic plots.
Many details of Shakespeare's childhood in Stratford, England are
lacking, but we do know a few major facts. John Shakespeare, the
father of this elite writer was a "burgess of the borough" (Encarta
'96), the position corresponding to mayor for the town of Stratford.
His mother, Mary Arden, was a descendant of a rich, ancient family,
and was the heiress to some land. They got married, thus moving John
and Mary Shakespeare up a step on the social scale. Together, they
bore eight children, the third and oldest son, William Shakespeare was
born in 1564, and they baptized him in Stratford-upon-Avon,
Warwickshire.
The Shakespeare family was not rich and therefore could not afford to
send their children to a "private school," and it is commonly accepted
that the children attended Stratford's Grammar School.
"William's education consisted of mostly Latin studies (learning to
read, write, and speak the language almost fluently), and the study of
some of the classic historians, moralists, and poets. Of course, they
also had basic math and English, but all this was only a minimal
education, for it was assumed that the children would go to the
university to enhance their knowledge toward the field of their
choice" (Britannica 253-254). William Shakespeare, however, did not go
to the university, and instead tried his hand at life with only the
education he received at the local grammar school. This surprises most
historians; they find it hard to believe that one with minimal
education could write such historically accurate plays. This generally
makes us assume that he liked school, and did well in it, but there