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April 23, 1564: Birth of William Shakespeare

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April 23, 1564: Birth of William Shakespeare

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William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. His birth is traditionally celebrated on April 23. Born to John Shakespeare, a glove-maker and local alderman, and Mary Arden, a daughter of an affluent landowning farmer, Shakespeare was born into a relatively prosperous middle-class family.

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Young William attended King's New School in Stratford, where he received a classical education including Latin and Greek. This early exposure to classical literature would later influence many of his works. The school's rigorous curriculum included studying classical authors like Ovid, whose 'Metamorphoses' would later inspire several of Shakespeare's plays.

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November 28, 1582: Marriage to Anne Hathaway

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November 28, 1582: Marriage to Anne Hathaway

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At age 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was 26. Their marriage was hastily arranged, as Anne was already pregnant. This union would later influence his portrayal of love, marriage, and relationships in his works, including references in plays like 'The Taming of the Shrew.'

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This period in Shakespeare's life is known as the 'Lost Years' as little is known about his activities. Theories suggest he worked as a schoolteacher, traveled with acting companies, or worked as a law clerk. During this time, he likely began developing his understanding of theater and dramatic arts.

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Shakespeare's first recorded appearance in London's theatrical scene came through a harsh critique from rival playwright Robert Greene, who referred to him as an 'upstart crow.' This criticism actually helps historians date Shakespeare's arrival in London's theater world and marks the beginning of his professional career.

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1594: Formation of the Lord Chamberlain's Men

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1594: Formation of the Lord Chamberlain's Men

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Shakespeare became a founding member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, one of London's most popular acting companies. This company would become his artistic home for most of his career, and later became the King's Men under James I's patronage. This stable company allowed Shakespeare to write with specific actors in mind.

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The famous Globe Theatre was built by Shakespeare's company. Shakespeare was a shareholder in this venture, which became the primary venue for his plays. The theater's motto was 'Totus mundus agit histrionem' (All the world's a stage), a line later used in 'As You Like It.'

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This period marks Shakespeare's most productive years, during which he wrote his greatest tragedies including 'Hamlet,' 'Othello,' 'King Lear,' and 'Macbeth.' These works showcase his deepest explorations of human nature, political power, and moral corruption, establishing him as a master dramatist.

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Shakespeare's collection of 154 sonnets was published, though many were written earlier. These poems explore themes of love, beauty, mortality, and time, and include some of the most famous verses in English literature. The mysterious dedication to 'Mr. W.H.' has intrigued scholars for centuries.

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During a performance of 'Henry VIII,' a theatrical cannon misfired and set the Globe's thatched roof ablaze, burning the theater to the ground. This event marked the beginning of Shakespeare's retirement from theater. The Globe was rebuilt the following year, but Shakespeare wrote little afterward.

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Shakespeare died on his 52nd birthday in Stratford-upon-Avon. His last will famously left his 'second-best bed' to his wife Anne. He was buried in Holy Trinity Church, where his grave bears a curse against moving his bones. His works had already begun to establish him as England's greatest dramatist.

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Seven years after Shakespeare's death, his colleagues John Heminges and Henry Condell published the First Folio, containing 36 of his plays. This crucial publication preserved many plays that might otherwise have been lost, ensuring Shakespeare's legacy for future generations. Only about 235 copies survive today.