Samyukta hornady biography of william shakespeare

Tradition holds that Shakespeare died on April 23, , which interestingly falls on the same date as his birth. However, while church records confirm he was interred at Holy Trinity Church on April 25, the exact cause of his death remains uncertain, with speculation ranging from a sudden illness to other unforeseen health issues. In his will, Shakespeare bequeathed the bulk of his estate to his eldest daughter, Susanna, while notably leaving his wife, Anne Hathaway, his "second-best bed.

Samyukta hornady biography of william shakespeare

At the time, Shakespeare was just 18 years old, and Anne was Their union was somewhat unconventional, and they had their first child, Susanna, just six months later, born on May 26, Two years later, on February 2, , they welcomed twins, Hamnet and Judith. Sadly, Hamnet passed away at the young age of 11, leaving a profound impact on the family.

Shakespeare's family life remains largely obscured by time, yet records indicate that his children played vital roles during and after his life. Susanna, the eldest, married John Hall, a physician, and had one daughter, Elizabeth. Shakespeare's two daughters, along with his wife, Anne, were crucial figures in his life, especially as he dealt with the pressures of his career in London.

While little is known about the dynamics of their marriage, Anne received a relatively modest bequest in his will, leading to speculation about their relationship; yet, this suggests a complexity often typical of marriages during that era. Although exact figures are difficult to determine due to the lack of extensive financial records from that time, it is estimated that Shakespeare amassed a considerable fortune during his career.

His successful investment in the Globe Theater further contributed to his wealth, allowing him to enjoy a prosperous lifestyle. Shakespeare's earnings from his plays and poetry were substantial, particularly after gaining patronage from prominent figures such as Henry Wriothesley, the Earl of Southampton. DOI: Schoenbaum, Samuel. Oxford: Clarendon, London: Faber and Faber, Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content on this page.

Please subscribe or login. How to Subscribe Oxford Bibliographies Online is available by subscription and perpetual access to institutions. For more information or to contact an Oxford Sales Representative click here. William Shakespeare would have lived with his family in their house on Henley Street until he turned eighteen. When he was eighteen, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway , who was twenty-six.

It was a rushed marriage because Anne was already pregnant at the time of the ceremony. Together they had three children. Their first daughter, Susanna , was born six months after the wedding and was later followed by twins Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet died when he was just 11 years old. We know Shakespeare's twins were baptised in , and that by his reputation was established in London, but the intervening years are considered a mystery.

Shakespeare was the company's regular dramatist, producing on average two plays a year, for almost twenty years. Over the years, John held several public offices, including that of alderman and eventually bailiff mayor of Stratford. Growing up in a relatively comfortable household, young William had access to opportunities that many in his time did not.

This classical training exposed him to great works of Roman and Greek writers such as Ovid, Seneca, and Plutarch. His early exposure to these philosophical works shaped his plays and poetry, infusing them with classical themes and diverse plots. The Foundation and Maturing of the Bard Growing up in Stratford also exposed young William to the everyday life of a bustling market town.

The local fairs, traveling performers, and theatrical productions that visited the town likely sparked his interest in storytelling and performance. While Stratford was a relatively small community, it sat near larger cultural hubs like Warwick and Coventry. Shakespeare may have encountered mystery plays and moral dramas there, both influencing his dramatic style.

As Shakespeare matured, these experiences formed the foundation of his future career as a playwright and poet. His education gave him the tools and his environment nurtured his creativity. Thus, allowing him to observe human nature and society up close and personally. At 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, an event that significantly shaped and prepared him for what was to come.

The marriage was arranged quickly, as their first child, Susanna, was born just six months later on May 26, Life for the growing family in Stratford-upon-Avon must have been both busy and challenging, particularly with Shakespeare balancing his family duties while nurturing his developing talents. The cause of his death is not clearly documented, though it is believed to have been the result of the frequent outbreaks of disease that occurred during the period.