Key facts
- Born
- 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon
- Died
- 1616
- Theatre
- The Globe, London
- Famous plays
- Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet
- Legacy
- Greatest English writer
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. His plays and poems have influenced literature, theatre, and the English language itself for over 400 years.
Life
- Born: 23 April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon
- Died: 23 April 1616 in Stratford-upon-Avon
- Career: Actor, playwright, poet, theatre owner
- Theatre: The Globe Theatre, London
Famous Works
Tragedies
- Hamlet - Prince of Denmark seeks revenge
- Macbeth - Scottish general's murderous ambition
- Othello - Jealousy destroys a general
- King Lear - An aged king divides his kingdom
Comedies
- A Midsummer Night's Dream - Magical forest romance
- Much Ado About Nothing - Witty romantic comedy
- The Merchant of Venice - Love, law, and justice
Histories
- Henry V - Heroic English king
- Richard III - Villainous king's rise and fall
Romances
- Romeo and Juliet - Star-crossed lovers
- The Tempest - Magical island tale
Contribution to English
Shakespeare invented over 1,700 words and phrases still used today:
- "Break the ice"
- "Heart of gold"
- "Wild goose chase"
- "Love is blind"
- "All that glitters is not gold"
Legacy
- Plays performed worldwide every day
- Studied in schools globally
- Shaped the English language
- Globe Theatre reconstructed in London
- Stratford-upon-Avon is a major tourist destination
Why it comes up in the test
Know Shakespeare, his birthplace (Stratford-upon-Avon), and his major works.
Common traps
- Confusing his plays
- Forgetting Stratford-upon-Avon
- Not knowing the Globe Theatre
William Shakespeare: common questions
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564.
Written from Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), the only official source for the test. BritPass is not affiliated with the Home Office; if anything here differs from the handbook, the handbook is right.
