William Shakespeare’s Life Story and Legacy

William Shakespeare's Life Story and Legacy

William Shakespeare, born in April 1564, is one of the most influential playwrights in history. His life story includes his early education in Stratford-upon-Avon, marriage to Anne Hathaway, and his rise to fame in London. Shakespeare wrote numerous plays and poems, captivating audiences during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. His legacy includes the establishment of The Globe Theatre and the posthumous publication of his works in The First Folio. This resource is ideal for students and literature enthusiasts exploring Shakespeare's life and contributions to English literature.

Key Points

  • Explores William Shakespeare's early life in Stratford-upon-Avon and his education.
  • Details Shakespeare's marriage to Anne Hathaway and their three children.
  • Highlights Shakespeare's success in London and his ownership of The Globe Theatre.
  • Discusses the significance of The First Folio in preserving Shakespeare's works.
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William Shakespeare was born in April 1564 in a house in Stratford-upon-Avon.
His father, John Shakespeare, was a glove maker and Mary, his mother, was the
daughter of a local farmer.
In the year William was born, the plague was in Stratford-upon-Avon and many
people died as a result. There was a special doctor called a plague doctor. He
would wear a long black cloak which covered him from head to toe, and a special
mask shaped a bit like a bird's beak.
When William was about seven years old, he started school in Stratford-upon-Avon.
He was lucky to go to school because not everybody did. It cost money to go to
school, so if your family were poor you would have stayed at home and learnt the
family trade instead. Girls did not usually go to school in those days. Happily, today
both girls and boys have equal education opportunities in schools.
PRIMARY
William Shakespeare's
life story
For a full range of resources see:
shakespeare.org.uk/primaryresources
Page 1
Registered Charity Number 209302
Children learned to read from a horn book. It was made of wood from an oak tree
and a piece of parchment - which is a bit like paper but made from sheep or goat
skin. It had the alphabet, some phonics and a Christian prayer printed on it, for the
children to read from. It is called a horn book because the parchment is covered by
a thin layer of horn from a cow which was used to protect it.
Shakespeare's Birthplace
A horn book
When William was a bit older he moved up to ‘Big school’. There William would have
learnt to write with a quill pen. It would have been made from a feather from a
goose or a swan.
At the age of 18 William married a woman called Anne Hathaway and they had
three children, Susanna and twins Judith and Hamnet. Although Shakespeare spent a
lot of time in London acting and writing plays. He also came home to see his family in
Stratford-upon-Avon. He wrote some of his plays in his big house in Stratford-upon-
Avon, known as New Place.
During their reigns, both Queen Elizabeth I and King James I really liked William's plays
and so he became incredibly famous! He also became so rich and successful that,
along with other actor friends, he became part owner of a theatre in London called
The Globe.
PRIMARY
William Shakespeare's
life story
For a full range of resources see:
shakespeare.org.uk/primaryresources
Page 2
Registered Charity Number 209302
William died in 1616 when he was 52 years old. He was buried at Holy Trinity Church in
Stratford-upon-Avon. The church burial entry shows his name and by it, it says ‘gent’!
This meant he had reached the status of a gentleman - something that was very
important at the time.
Burial register recording the death of William Shakespeare
PRIMARY
William Shakespeare's
life story
Activity
Using information included above, as well as that on Shakespeare's Timeline (see
separate resource sheet), create your own presentation on William Shakespeare's life
and times to share with family, friends or classmates.
For a full range of resources see:
shakespeare.org.uk/primaryresources
Page 3
Registered Charity Number 209302
William was buried inside Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. He famously put a curse
on his grave so that nobody would move his body once he had been buried. The curse
reads,‘Blessed be the man that spares these bones and cursed be he that moves my bones!’
Seven years after William's death, his friends gathered his plays together and published them
in a book known as The First Folio.
William Shakespeare's grave in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon
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FAQs of William Shakespeare’s Life Story and Legacy

What were the main influences on Shakespeare's writing?
William Shakespeare's writing was influenced by various factors, including the political climate of England during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I provided a backdrop of cultural flourishing, which inspired his plays. Additionally, his personal experiences, such as his marriage and family life, shaped the themes of love, ambition, and tragedy in his works. Shakespeare also drew from classical literature and historical events, blending them with his unique storytelling style.
What are some of Shakespeare's most famous plays?
Shakespeare's most famous plays include 'Hamlet,' 'Romeo and Juliet,' 'Macbeth,' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' 'Hamlet' explores themes of revenge and existentialism, while 'Romeo and Juliet' is a tragic love story that examines the consequences of feuding families. 'Macbeth' delves into ambition and moral corruption, and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is a comedic exploration of love and magic. These works have become staples in literature and are frequently studied in schools around the world.
How did Shakespeare contribute to the English language?
William Shakespeare significantly contributed to the English language by coining new words and phrases that are still in use today. He is credited with introducing over 1,700 words into the English lexicon, including terms like 'bedroom,' 'lonely,' and 'swagger.' His inventive use of language, including puns and metaphors, enriched English literature and expression. Shakespeare's works also popularized idiomatic expressions that continue to resonate in modern conversations, showcasing his lasting impact on the language.
What is The First Folio and why is it important?
The First Folio is a collection of William Shakespeare's plays published in 1623, seven years after his death. It is significant because it preserved 36 of his works, many of which had not been printed before. The First Folio is crucial for understanding Shakespeare's contributions to literature, as it includes iconic plays such as 'Julius Caesar' and 'The Tempest.' Without this compilation, many of Shakespeare's masterpieces might have been lost to history, making it a vital resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
What themes are prevalent in Shakespeare's plays?
Shakespeare's plays explore a variety of themes, including love, power, jealousy, betrayal, and the supernatural. Love is often depicted in its many forms, from romantic to familial, as seen in 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'King Lear.' The pursuit of power and its consequences are central to plays like 'Macbeth' and 'Julius Caesar.' Additionally, Shakespeare frequently incorporates elements of the supernatural, as seen in 'Hamlet' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' which adds depth to his exploration of human nature and morality.

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