Lendio, Jemabel M.

BSED 2A
LIT 101 – 71678
ASSIGNMENT

Instructions: Research about the life of William Shakespeare. Give a short background
about Macbeth and your feedback about Shakespeare’s piece.

1. THE LIFE OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

William Shakespeare was an English poet,

playwright, and actor of the Renaissance era.
He was an important member of the King’s Men
theatrical company from roughly 1594 onward.
Known throughout the world, Shakespeare’s
works—at least 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and 2
narrative poems—capture the range of human
emotion and conflict and have been celebrated
for more than 400 years. He is considered the
greatest writer in world literature.

Shakespeare’s Early Life

• William Shakespeare was born in the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-

Avon, England, on April 26, 1564.
• His father, John Shakespeare, was a glove maker and held various
positions in local governments, making him a respected figure in the
community.
• His mother, Mary Arden, hailed from a prosperous farming family, and her
background added an element of rural influence to young William's life.
• Shakespeare spent his early life in Stratford-upon-Avon, receiving at most
a grammar-school education, and age 18 he married a local woman, Anne
Hathaway.

Shakespeare’s Early Career

• In the late 1580s, William Shakespeare embarked on his early career in

London's vibrant theater world. He initially joined a theater company, likely
as an actor. However, his exceptional talent for writing quickly became
evident. During this period, he penned several remarkable plays, which
included a mix of comedies and histories.
 • Shakespeare's early works, such as "The Comedy of Errors" and "Henry
VI," displayed his burgeoning creativity and storytelling prowess, earning
him recognition as a rising star in London's theatrical circles. These early
years were instrumental in shaping his path toward becoming one of the
most celebrated playwrights in history, laying the foundation for his enduring
legacy.

Shakespeare’s Late Career and Works

• In the latter part of his illustrious career, which spanned the early 17th
century, Shakespeare reached the optimum of his creative powers.
• During this period, he crafted some of the most enduring and profound
works in the English language.
Notable among these are:
1. "Hamlet," a masterpiece exploring themes of revenge,
madness, and existentialism, known for its complex characters.
2."Macbeth," a dark and gripping tragedy centered around
ambition, guilt, and the corrupting influence of power.
3."The Tempest," a magical and introspective play that delves into
themes of forgiveness and redemption.
• These late works are characterized by their intricate plots, rich character
development, and profound exploration of human nature. They stand as a
testament to Shakespeare's maturation as a playwright and his lasting
impact on world literature.

Shakespeare’s Lasting Impact

• William Shakespeare's legacy transcends time, making him an iconic

figure in the realms of literature, theater, and beyond.
• His theatrical works continue to serve as a foundational and pivotal part of
the worldwide theater scene, enjoying an enduring presence with
numerous productions staged annually across the globe.
• His phrases and sayings have become deeply embedded in the English
language, enhancing our lexicon and everyday expressions.

Shakespeare’s Timeline

• April 26, 1564 - William Shakespeare is baptized at the Holy Trinity

Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. The exact date
of his birth is not known. The standard of the time was to baptize an
infant three days after birth, so Shakespeare’s birthday is traditionally
celebrated on April 23. He is the son of John and Mary Arden
Shakespeare.
• 1582 - Shakespeare marries Anne Hathaway, also of Stratford. The pair
have three children: Susanna (baptized May 26, 1583) and twins
 Hamnet and Judith (baptized February 2, 1585). Hamnet,
Shakespeare’s only son, dies at age 11.
• c. 1589–1592 - Shakespeare composes his first full-length tragedy,
Titus Andronicus, a violent story of revenge and political strife in ancient
Rome. The exact date range of its composition has never been
determined, but he likely wrote it after relocating to London sometime in
the late 1580s.
• 1592 - The first reference to Shakespeare as a part of the literary world
of London comes from a pamphlet written by Robert Greene, a fellow
dramatist. In the pamphlet, Greene insults the young Shakespeare as
an “upstart crow.”
• c. 1592–94 - During a pause in his theatrical career that was caused by
an outbreak of plague in London, Shakespeare begins writing poetry.
The work produced during this period includes the poems Venus and
Adonis (1593) and The Rape of Lucrece (1594) and his sonnet
sequence (published 1609).
• 1594 - Shakespeare joins the Lord Chamberlain’s Men theatrical
company (later called the King’s Men), with whom he works for the
remainder of his career as a dramatist. The company features actor
Richard Burbage, who was widely acclaimed as the best English actor
of the era.
• Autumn 1599 - Construction of the Globe Theatre, home of the Lord
Chamberlain’s Men, is completed. It is the first theater to be specifically
built for an existing acting company. Most of Shakespeare’s greatest
plays were first performed at the open-air Globe. The theater was
destroyed in 1644 but its lasting fame, because of its connection with
Shakespeare, led to a replica being constructed near the original site in
1997.
• April 23, 1616 - Shakespeare dies in his hometown of Stratford.
Knowing that his end was near, he had made his will the previous
month, bequeathing his property to the male heirs of his elder daughter,
Susanna. Historians have long puzzled over his decision to leave his
wife, Anne (who would die in 1623), his “second-best bed.”
Shakespeare is buried on the grounds of the parish church of Stratford.

Shakespeare’s Important Works

1. Romeo and Juliet (c. 1594–96)

2. Much Ado About Nothing (c. 1598–99)
3. Julius Caesar (c. 1599–1600)
4. Hamlet (c. 1599–1601)
5. King Lear (1605–06)
6. Macbeth (c. 1606–07)
7. Sonnets (1609)
8. The Tempest (1611)
 William Shakespeare is widely considered the greatest dramatist of all time as
well as the most influential writer in the history of the English language. He
originated hundreds of words and phrases that English speakers use to this day.

2. SHORT BACKGROUND ABOUT MACBETH AND MY

FEEDBACK ABOUT SHAKESPEARE’S PIECE.
Short Background about Macbeth

Shakespeare’s shortest and bloodiest tragedy, Macbeth tells the story of a brave
Scottish general (Macbeth) who receives a prophecy from a trio of sinister
witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed with ambitious
thoughts and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and
seizes the throne for himself. He begins his reign racked with guilt and fear and
soon becomes a tyrannical ruler, as he is forced to commit more and more
murders to protect himself from enmity and suspicion. The bloodbath swiftly
propels Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to arrogance, madness, and death.

Feedback

Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is one of his most powerful and emotionally intense

plays. His piece was written for us, as it explores the moral and social
consequences of unchecked ambitions. Through this play, Shakespeare wanted
us to learn a valuable thing and that is doing what is morally correct and not to be
driven by our selfish ambitions.

In the play, it is shown how Macbeth and his wife are hungry for power.
Consumed by their selfish ambitions Macbeth chooses to kill the King of
Scotland. Macbeth used to be a brave and loyal soldier not until he was driven by
his desires. Shakespeare made Macbeth a dynamic character as it can be seen
how Macbeth undergoes changes or transformations throughout the play. Thus, it
made Shakespeare’s play a masterpiece. He shows that there will always be
consequences for every action we’ll take.

In conclusion, Macbeth is indeed one of Shakespeare’s masterpieces and

greatest tragedies. This piece of Shakespeare is worthwhile, knowing that this will
play a great impact to the life of the readers.