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{{Infobox_person
| name = William Shakespeare
| image = Bg,f8f8f8-flat,750x,075,f-pad,750x1000,f8f8f8.jpg
| born = April 1564
| died = 23 April 1616
| nationality = English
| occupation = Playwright; poet; actor
| known_for = English drama and poetry
| notable_work = ''Hamlet''; ''Macbeth''; ''Romeo and Juliet''; ''King Lear''
}}


'''William Shakespeare''' (1564–1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor widely regarded as one of the most influential writers in the English language. His works have had a lasting impact on literature, drama, and cultural expression across centuries.

Shakespeare’s plays and poems explore a wide range of themes, including power, love, ambition, identity, and morality, and continue to be performed, studied, and reinterpreted worldwide.

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== Early life ==
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 1564. Little definitive information is known about his early education, though it is generally assumed he attended a local grammar school.

He married Anne Hathaway and had three children.

== Career ==
By the late sixteenth century, Shakespeare was active in London as a playwright and actor. He became associated with the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a theatrical company that later became the King’s Men under royal patronage.

Shakespeare wrote for the stage during a period of significant cultural and theatrical activity in England.

== Plays ==
Shakespeare’s plays are commonly grouped into three broad categories:

* tragedies, including ''Hamlet'', ''Macbeth'', and ''King Lear''
* comedies, including ''A Midsummer Night’s Dream'' and ''Twelfth Night''
* histories, including ''Richard III'' and ''Henry V''

These classifications are not rigid, and many works combine elements from multiple genres.

== Poetry ==
In addition to his plays, Shakespeare wrote narrative poems and a large collection of sonnets. His poetry addresses themes such as time, beauty, love, and mortality.

The sonnets, in particular, are noted for their formal structure and emotional complexity.

== Language and style ==
Shakespeare contributed significantly to the development of modern English. His works introduced new words, phrases, and expressive techniques that remain in use.

His writing is characterized by inventive language, metaphor, and psychological depth.

== Later life ==
Shakespeare retired to Stratford-upon-Avon in his later years, where he continued to manage his affairs. He died in 1616.

== Legacy ==
William Shakespeare’s influence extends across literature, theater, and popular culture. His works are among the most frequently performed and studied in the world.

Interpretations of Shakespeare continue to evolve, reflecting changing cultural contexts and scholarly perspectives. His writing remains central to discussions of narrative, character, and dramatic form.