William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he grew up. He wrote about 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and several other poems. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare intended to become an actor initially and worked his way up in the acting profession until he turned to writing plays and poems full-time when the theaters closed due to plague. He drew inspiration from nature and other writers of his time.

1. Shakespeare’s LifeDarryl Yee2P1 (33)

2. Who is He?English poet and playwrightBorn in Stratford-upon-Avon on about the 23rd April 1564, and died on 23rd April 1616Son of John Shakespeare and Mary ArdenWorks consist of about 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poemsPlays have been translated into every major living languagePlays are performed more often than those of any other playwright

3. Interesting Facts About ShakespeareIn Shakespeare's plays , suicide occurs thirteen timesShakespeare's actual birthday is unknown Shakespeare's family were all illiterateThere is no evidence for what Shakespeare did between 1585 and 1592Many of Shakespeare's plays are based on others' earlier plays, histories, and poems

4. How Did He Become A Writer & Inspiration To WriteIntentions were first to become an actorLeft Stratford-upon-Avon to begin a career on stageWorked his way up the ladder in the acting professionto finally become an actorWhen the Bubonic plague closed the Theatres of London, Shakespeare turned to writing long poems and drama full-timeWas inspired by natureBirds were a constant subjectAlso inspired by the great novelists of his day like Ovid and Seneca

5. Childhood & FamilyGrew up in the Tudor market town of Stratford-on-AvonProbably educated at the King's New School in Stratford, a free school chartered in 1553Parents had eight children, he was the thirdMarried Anne Hathaway at the age of 18Had three children-Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith

6. Shakespeare’s Social Status & Why His Plays Were Well ReceivedWas of the wealthy merchant class or petty gentryWas a respected poet and playwright in his own daysReputation did not rise to its present heights until the 19th centuryWorks are really classic and inspirationalAre good sources of meaningful life and he has an interesting way of writing storiesHave an unbeatable balance of prose and verse, include the profound study of human nature, have genius structure and are entertaining