Unraveling the Mystery: 10 Little-Known Facts about William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest writers in the English language. His plays and sonnets continue to be studied and performed across the globe. Despite his acclaim, there are still many things about the man and his works that remain shrouded in mystery. In this article, we will delve into 10 little-known facts about William Shakespeare.
1. His Spelling
Shakespeare’s name may be famous, but his spelling is not always consistent. In fact, there are over 80 different versions of his name recorded from the 16th and 17th centuries. Shakespeare himself did not usually spell his name in the modern way we know it today, and he sometimes spelled it differently himself.
2. His Birthplace
Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, which was a market town at the time. In the late 16th century, it had a population of about 2,000 people. Today, it is a popular tourist destination due to its connection to Shakespeare.
3. His Family
Shakespeare was the third of eight children and his parents, John and Mary Shakespeare, were both from farming families. His father was a glove-maker, merchant, and later, an alderman. Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway when he was 18 years old, and she was 26. They had three children together.
4. His Writing Style
Shakespeare wrote plays in a variety of genres, including comedies, tragedies, histories, and romances. He is known for his poetic language and his ability to convey complex emotions with just a few words. Many of his phrases and expressions have become part of the English language, such as “to be or not to be” and “all the world’s a stage.”
5. His Famous Work
One of his most famous works is “Hamlet”, which is considered one of the greatest plays ever written. It tells the story of the Prince of Denmark, who struggles with revenge, morality, and mortality. It is famous for its soliloquies, including the famous “to be or not to be” speech.
6. His Legacy
Shakespeare died in 1616 at the age of 52. He left behind a legacy of plays that continue to be studied and performed today. In addition to his plays, he also wrote sonnets, which are still widely read and studied.
7. His Name
Shakespeare’s name has become synonymous with literary excellence. In fact, the word “Shakespearean” is often used to describe any work that is considered to be of high quality. Despite this, there are still some who doubt whether Shakespeare actually wrote all of the plays and sonnets attributed to him.
8. His Inspiration
It is not known for certain where Shakespeare drew his inspiration from, but it is believed that he was influenced by a variety of sources, including history, mythology, and literature. Many of his plays are based on earlier works, but he added his own unique spin to them to create something new.
9. His Acting Career
Shakespeare was not just a writer, he was also an actor. He started out as a member of a theater company in London, and he eventually became one of the shareholders in the Globe Theater. He even acted in some of his own plays, including “The Ghost” in “Hamlet”.
10. His Popularity
Shakespeare’s popularity has never waned. His plays are still performed in theaters around the world, and his works continue to be studied in universities and schools. In fact, many people consider him to be the greatest writer in the English language and one of the greatest writers of all time.
In conclusion, William Shakespeare was a remarkable writer whose work and life continue to fascinate people centuries after his death. By unraveling these 10 little-known facts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the man and his legacy, and appreciate the enduring power of his words.
