An Introduction to William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is arguably the greatest playwright the world has ever known. He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire in England in 1564. He was the son of John Shakespeare and Mary Arden, who married around 1557. He had three siblings, two older sisters Joan and Judith, and one younger brother Gilbert. He was not particularly well-educated, but he was a great student of the English language. His plays and poems have been translated into every major language and are still performed and read around the world today.

Shakespeare\’s Marriage and Children

In 1582, at the age of eighteen, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. She was eight years his senior, and they had three children together: Susanna, born in 1583, and twins Judith and Hamnet, born in 1585. Hamnet, unfortunately, died at the age of eleven. It is believed that the death of his son was the inspiration behind some of Shakespeare\’s most heartbreaking works, such as “King Lear” and “The Winter\’s Tale”.

The Early Life of Shakespeare\’s Children

Susanna was the first of Shakespeare\’s children to be born. She married a physician, John Hall, in 1607. They had one daughter, Elizabeth, who went on to have a son, Shakespeare\’s grandchild, named John Hall. Judith, the second of Shakespeare\’s children, married a man named Thomas Quiney in 1616. They had three children, all of whom died in infancy.

The Death of Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway died in 1623, at the age of 67. She outlived her husband by seven years. It is believed she died from natural causes, as there is no record of her having been ill at the time of her death. It is likely that her death was a great blow to Shakespeare, who had been married to her for forty-one years.

The Death of William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare died in 1616 at the age of 52. He was buried two days later in Stratford-upon-Avon. The cause of his death has never been officially determined, but it is believed that he died of natural causes. He left most of his estate to his daughter, Susanna, and some to his granddaughter, Elizabeth.

The Legacy of William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare\’s legacy lives on today. His plays are still performed around the world and his words have been immortalized in literature and film. He is remembered as a great poet and playwright, and his contribution to the English language is immeasurable. His works have been translated into every major language and his influence can be seen in the works of countless other writers.

Conclusion

William Shakespeare had three children: Susanna, Judith, and Hamnet. Hamnet died at the age of eleven and Anne Hathaway, his wife, died seven years after his death. He left most of his estate to his daughter Susanna, who went on to have a son, Shakespeare\’s grandchild. His legacy lives on today, and his influence on the English language is immeasurable. He is remembered as one of the greatest writers in history, and his works have been translated into every major language.