24 interesting facts about William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is widely considered as one of the greatest writers in the English language and his works have had a profound impact on theatre, literature, and culture. From plays and sonnets to poems, Shakespeare has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. In this article, we will explore some interesting facts about this legendary playwright.

Facts:

1. Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England in 1564.
2. His exact date of birth is unknown, but it is celebrated on April 23rd, St George’s Day.
3. Shakespeare’s father was a successful businessman and his mother was the daughter of a wealthy landowner.
4. Shakespeare was the third of eight children.
5. He was a playwright and actor in London, where he became a shareholder in the acting company the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, which was later renamed the King’s Men.
6. Shakespeare’s works are grouped into three categories: comedies, histories, and tragedies.
7. Some of his most famous plays include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Othello.
8. He wrote 154 sonnets, many of which were addressed to a mysterious young man and a dark lady.
9. Shakespeare’s plays were performed in the open air, and indoor playhouses only became popular after the closure of the theatres in 1642 due to the Puritan Commonwealth.
10. Shakespeare’s works have been translated into over 80 languages.
11. He is credited with introducing approximately 3,000 words and phrases into the English language, including “knock knock”, “in a pickle”, “as good luck would have it”, and “bide one’s time”.
12. Shakespeare’s plays have been performed continuously since they were written, making him one of the most performed playwrights in the world.
13. He is widely regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language and one of the greatest in Western literature.
14. Shakespeare’s grave can be found in the chancel of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.
15. The exact cause of his death is unknown, but it is believed that he died of natural causes.
16. Shakespeare’s will left his “second best bed” to his wife, Anne Hathaway, causing speculation about the nature of their relationship.
17. The First Folio, a collection of 36 of Shakespeare’s plays, was published in 1623, seven years after his death.
18. Shakespeare’s influence can be seen in literature, theatre, and culture throughout the world, and his works continue to be performed and studied today.
19. There are numerous theories about who Shakespeare really was, with some suggesting that he was a pen name used by someone else, but there is no evidence to support these claims.
20. Shakespeare’s house in Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular tourist attraction and has been restored to resemble what it may have looked like in the 16th century.
21. The Royal Shakespeare Company, based in Stratford-upon-Avon and London, is dedicated to performing Shakespeare’s works.
22. In 2016, a statue of Shakespeare was unveiled in Central Park, New York City, making him the only historical figure to have a statue in the park.
23. Shakespeare’s plays have inspired countless adaptations, including operas, ballets, and films.
24. Some of the most famous adaptations of Shakespeare’s works include West Side Story, a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, and the Lion King, which was inspired by Hamlet.