A blog entry about a guy who wrote lots of sonnets and plays then died.

I think that title is a bit too straight forward. Oh well.

William Shakespeare. I had always heard of Shakespeare's sonnets and plays- how spectacular they were. Though I had never actually been interested in them or him... until recently. Our school had announced that in English we would be studying Shakespeare and his popular play "Macbeth". So in order to jump-start our education on the topic, we went and saw an adapted musical version of "Macbeth". Personally, I loved it. From the taunting witches to the power-hungry Macbeth himself; it was vastly entertaining.

To my luck, my year 10 English class began to study the man himself, Shakespeare! What an interesting life he seemed to have. I mean, who would have know he married Catwoman?! (haha get it?) 

Also, only Shakespeare would be cool enough to befriend two of the rulers of England. 

Shakespeare's past isn't the only confusing thing. I mean, look at his language! His writing is that of great literal talent though to a 21st century reader, it is nearly gibberish.

Here is some of what I gathered from the few lessons of studying the life and times of William Shakespeare:

Shakespeare was born in 1564 and grew up in Stratford-upon-avon, England. At the age of 18 he got married and had three kids,two of which were twins (poor William). In the 1580's, Shakespeare migrated to London where he earned his way to the top of the theatre scene by becoming a popular playwright. His work was of such great standards that he soon befriended both rulers of England (at the time) Elizabeth I and James I. #swag #connections #hardtobeat #unlikeeggs
During the next few years, William is believed to have written his world renowned 154 sonnets and 37 plays. Speculations have risen regarding whether he wrote them all or not (oooh, someone got jealous).
Shakespeare then became part owner of The Globe theatre in London where still today, many of his plays are performed to thousands of people who are honouring his existence. Shakespeare's plays over time had also been translated to several languages and are being performed all around the world to thousands of people. Adaptations (such as the Macbeth musical I have seen) are a popular method used to portray William's plays to younger audiences in much less complex forms.
In 1616, William Shakespeare died wealthy with back in Stratford at the age of 52 with a cloudy past which is still being questioned today.


So, who is William Shakespeare?

He is a man respected by millions and still cherished today. Also a man of many words (literally!). I am intrigued to learn more about him and study more of his plays and sonnets.
Until next time, thou gorbellied pottle-deep varlot!