William Shakespeare(1564 — 1616)
William Shakespeare
royaume d'Angleterre
8 min read
English playwright, poet, and actor (1564–1616), Shakespeare is the author of the greatest plays in world literature. He revolutionized theatre by exploring human psychology and creating unforgettable characters who grapple with love, power, and death.
Frequently asked questions
Famous Quotes
« To be, or not to be, that is the question »
« All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players »
« What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet »
« Some are born great, some achieve greatness, some have greatness thrust upon them »
Key Facts
- Born in Stratford-upon-Avon on 23 April 1564
- Founded the Lord Chamberlain's Men theatre company (1594), later renamed the King's Men
- Built the Globe Theatre in London (1599), where most of his plays were performed
- Published 37 plays and 154 sonnets in the recognized canon
- Died in Stratford on 23 April 1616, at the age of 52
Works & Achievements
A major tragedy exploring madness, revenge, and human existence through the Prince of Denmark. This play is considered one of the greatest works in world literature, featuring the famous soliloquy "To be, or not to be."
A passionate love tragedy between two young people from rival families in Verona. This play embodies the archetype of impossible love and remains one of the most famous love stories of all time.
A dark tragedy exploring ambition, power, and guilt through the fate of a Scottish general. The play examines the moral consequences of the hunger for power and remains a profound study of human psychology.
A fantastical comedy blending love, magic, and transformation in an enchanted forest. This work celebrates love in all its forms and showcases Shakespeare's genius for creating imaginary worlds.
A tragedy exploring jealousy, racism, and manipulation through the fate of a Black general destroyed by Iago's villainy. The play remains a powerful examination of prejudice and revenge.
A major tragedy examining paternal power, family ingratitude, and madness. This complex and profound play explores the universal themes of old age, filial love, and justice.
A fantastical comedy combining magic, forgiveness, and reconciliation on a mysterious island. This final play by Shakespeare is often interpreted as a meditation on the power of art and the nature of forgiveness.
Anecdotes
In 1582, at the age of 18, Shakespeare had to obtain a special dispensation to marry Anne Hathaway, who was six months pregnant. This hurried marriage shows that young William led a perfectly ordinary life before becoming the literary genius we know today. He had three children with Anne, including twins born in 1585.
The Globe Theatre, built in 1599 in London, was the heart of Shakespeare's theatrical career. This circular wooden theatre could hold around 3,000 spectators, with wealthy and poor audience members mingling together. Shakespeare was both a shareholder in the theatre and the author of the plays performed on its stage.
No authentic, confirmed portrait of Shakespeare painted during his lifetime exists. After his death, only a handful of likenesses were created, a mystery that has long puzzled historians. This enigma shows just how many questions still remain today about the private life of a man who became so enormously famous.
Shakespeare wrote and had performed approximately 37 plays and 154 sonnets over the course of his life. Plays such as Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth have been performed continuously since the early 17th century, making them the most frequently staged dramatic works in the world.
The Globe Theatre burned to the ground on 29 June 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII, most likely because a stage cannon misfired. Miraculously, no lives were lost, and the theatre was rebuilt the following year, almost identical to the original.
Primary Sources
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. / To be, or not to be, that is the question: / Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer / The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.
What's in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet.
Out, damned spot! Out, I say! One, two. Why, then, 'tis time to do't. Hell is murky.
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? / Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
The course of true love never did run smooth.
Key Places
Shakespeare's birthplace, where he was born in 1564. This is where his childhood home still stands, and where he grew up before leaving for London to pursue a career in theatre.
London's iconic theatre where Shakespeare worked as an actor and playwright from 1599. Most of his greatest plays were performed here before London audiences.
The English capital where Shakespeare spent most of his professional career (roughly 1590–1613). It was here that he found fame, moved in royal circles, and established his reputation as a theatrical genius.
The parish church in Stratford where Shakespeare was baptised in 1564 and buried in 1616. It is one of the most important memorial sites associated with the playwright.
A London theatre where Shakespeare and his company (the King's Men) performed from 1608. It was one of the last venues to stage his plays during his lifetime.
The royal castle where some of Shakespeare's plays — most notably 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' — are said to have been performed before the English royal court.
Liens externes & ressources
Références
Œuvres
Hamlet
vers 1600-1601
Macbeth
vers 1606
Le Songe d'une nuit d'été
vers 1595-1596
Othello
vers 1603-1604
Les Sonnets (154 sonnets)
publiés en 1609
Le Roi Lear
vers 1605-1606
