William Shakespeare

This passage is about the famous playwright William Shakespeare.

Lexile Level: 700L

Categories: History People & Places Classics & Literature

William Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet. Many people consider him the greatest writer of the English language. He wrote almost forty plays and over one hundred sonnets and other poems. He lived from 1564 to 1616. He was born in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. His father was a glove maker. Starting in the 1590s, Shakespeare worked in London as an actor and playwright. He also co-owned the theatrical company that produced his plays. His plays have complex characters and poetic language. He wrote histories, tragedies, and comedies. Many quotations from his plays have become common sayings. Almost all of his plays were based on earlier stories and historical material written by others. He was popular during his lifetime, and his plays have been performed ever since.