Today’s article focuses on William Shakespeare, a key figure and dramatist of the Elizabethan period. We will delve into his biography and explore some of his most renowned works. The discussion will include summaries of selected dramas and sonnets, followed by critical analyses.
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William Shakespeare’s Biography
Birth & Death
William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. His father, John Shakespeare, was a successful local businessman, and his mother, Mary Arden, was the daughter of a landowner. Shakespeare was the third child of his parents. He was baptized on April 26, 1564. He died on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52, in his hometown. William Shakespeare died within a month of signing his will, a document he begins by describing himself as being in “perfect health.” In his will, Shakespeare left the bulk of his large estate to his elder daughter Susanna.
Childhood and Education
Little is known about William Shakespeare’s childhood and education. It is speculated that he attended the King’s New School in Stratford, where he learned to read and write. Since all the grammar schools at the time followed the same curricula, it is believed that he received intensive education in grammar based on Latin classical authors.
Married Life
William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway at the age of 18 in 1582. She was eight years older than him. They had three children: Susanna Hall, Hamnet Shakespeare, and Judith.
Writing Career
William Shakespeare has been honored as England’s national poet and the Bard of Avon. Though the exact start of his writing career is unknown, records of performances show that his plays began appearing on the London stage by 1592. Scholars refer to the years between 1585 and 1592 as Shakespeare’s ‘lost years.’ In 1592, in the London theatre scene, another playwright called Shakespeare’s writings “rubbish.” Later, this same playwright documented Shakespeare’s biography.
Shakespeare’s plays were exclusively performed by the Lord Chamberlain’s Company in 1594, of which Shakespeare himself was one of the actors. After Queen Elizabeth died, the new King James I issued a royal patent to the company, and it was renamed “The King’s Men.” In 1598, William Shakespeare’s name appeared on the title page of a work. By 1599, Shakespeare’s works were famous worldwide. He continued writing until at least 1613. He wrote 38 dramas, 154 sonnets, and two long poems.
Style of Writing
Regarding the style that William Shakespeare adopted for his work, he was extremely innovative. He adapted traditional styles in his way by adding metaphors and rhetorical phrases. However, these additions rarely align directly with the plot or characters of the story.
William Shakespeare’s Works
William Shakespeare writes 38 dramas, 154 sonnets, and 2 long poems. There are twelve tragedies and fourteen comedies.
- Tragedies: Hamlet, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Timon of Athens, Othello, Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, Troilus and Cressida, King Lear, Titus Andronicus, Coriolanus, Cymbeline
- Comedies: Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, The Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing, All’s Well That Ends Well, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, Measure for Measure, Taming of the Shrew, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Pericles: Prince of Tyre, The Two Noble Kinsmen, Winter’s Tale, The Tempest
- Historical Play: Henry VI: Part-I, Henry VI: Part-II, Henry VI: Part-III, King John, Richard II, Richard III, Edward III
- Poems: The Passionate Pilgrim, The Phoenix and the Turtle
- Sonnet: 154 sonnets
Tragedies of William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare authored 38 plays, including twelve tragedies. His most well-known tragedies are “Hamlet”, “Othello”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Julius Caesar”, and “Macbeth”.
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Hamlet is one of William Shakespeare’s most intricate and longest plays. The narrative centers around two characters named Hamlet. The first is the late King Hamlet, the former ruler of Denmark, who has already passed away as the play begins. The second is Prince Hamlet, his son and the protagonist of the play. After King Hamlet’s death, his brother Claudius marries the widowed Queen Gertrude, Prince Hamlet’s mother, and takes over the throne. This chain of events leaves Prince Hamlet deeply grieved. Seeking comfort, he turns to Ophelia, the daughter of Polonius, a close adviser to Claudius, for solace.
Main Characters
- Old King Hamlet: The deceased King of Denmark and father of Prince Hamlet.
- Hamlet: The Prince of Denmark and the protagonist.
- Claudius: Brother to the late King Hamlet and now King of Denmark.
- Gertrude: Queen of Denmark, Prince Hamlet’s mother, and Claudius’s wife.
- Horatio: A close friend and confidant of Prince Hamlet.
- Ophelia: Daughter of Polonius and Hamlet’s love interest.
- Polonius: Advisor to Claudius and father to Ophelia and Laertes.
- Laertes: Son of Polonius and brother to Ophelia.
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: Associates of Hamlet, secretly spying for Claudius.
- Fortinbras: Crown Prince of Norway, seeking revenge for his father’s death.
Summary of Hamlet
The play begins at midnight on the battlements of Elsinore Castle, where soldiers on patrol, joined by Hamlet’s friend Horatio, encounter the ghost of the deceased King Hamlet. Unsure of its intentions, Horatio decides to inform Prince Hamlet.
At the royal court, Claudius publicly celebrates his marriage to Gertrude while addressing matters of state, including the threat posed by Fortinbras, the Norwegian prince seeking revenge for his father’s death at the hands of the late King Hamlet. Privately, Hamlet remains distraught over his father’s death and his mother’s hasty remarriage to Claudius.
Upon learning about the ghost, Hamlet meets it and discovers that Claudius murdered his father by pouring poison into his ear. The ghost demands vengeance, and Hamlet vows to carry out the task.
Meanwhile, Polonius sends someone to spy on his son Laertes, who has left for France, and becomes convinced that Hamlet’s erratic behavior stems from Ophelia rejecting his affections. Claudius also spies on Hamlet, enlisting Rosencrantz and Guildenstern under the guise of concern for his well-being.
When a group of actors arrives, Hamlet devises a plan to confirm Claudius’s guilt. He asks them to perform a play, adding a scene that mirrors the method of his father’s murder. Claudius’s reaction to the play exposes his guilt to Hamlet.
Afterward, Claudius arranges for Hamlet to be sent to England, secretly plotting his death. While alone, Claudius prays for forgiveness, but Hamlet refrains from killing him, fearing he might send his uncle’s soul to heaven. Later, Hamlet confronts his mother in her chamber. During this heated exchange, he mistakenly kills Polonius, thinking he is Claudius.
Ophelia, overcome with grief from Hamlet’s actions and her father’s death, descends into madness. Laertes returns from France, seeking revenge for Polonius’s death. Claudius manipulates him into plotting Hamlet’s murder during a fencing match, using a poisoned blade.
At the match, both Laertes and Hamlet are wounded with the poisoned blade. Gertrude accidentally drinks wine laced with poison intended for Hamlet and dies. Before succumbing to his wound, Laertes confesses Claudius’s treachery, prompting Hamlet to kill him. With his dying breath, Hamlet forgives Laertes and appoints Fortinbras as the rightful ruler of Denmark.
Fortinbras arrives to find the royal family dead and orders that Hamlet be honored as a fallen hero.
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare’s most renowned tragedies, and even if you haven’t read or watched it, you may already recognize some elements of the story. Often called “The Scottish Play” due to its setting in 11th-century Scotland, this work, like all of Shakespeare’s plays, can feel complex at first glance. However, with a little effort, its narrative becomes engaging and accessible. Let’s delve into Macbeth to explore its dramatic events.
Act One
The play’s title character, Macbeth, is a general in the army of King Duncan, alongside his close friend Banquo. After a victorious battle, the two encounter three witches in a desolate bog. The witches deliver cryptic prophecies: Macbeth is destined to become Thane of Cawdor and eventually King of Scotland, while Banquo is told his descendants will sit on the throne, though he will not. Intrigued yet bewildered, the two seek answers, but the witches vanish before explaining further.
Soon after, Macbeth is named Thane of Cawdor, lending credibility to the witches’ predictions. King Duncan plans to visit Macbeth’s castle at Inverness, further solidifying his favor toward Macbeth. Thrilled by his newfound status and the witches’ foretelling, Macbeth writes to his wife, Lady Macbeth, sharing the news and his growing ambitions. More ruthless than her husband, Lady Macbeth resolves to ensure he fulfills his destiny—regardless of the means.
Act Two
When King Duncan arrives at Inverness, Lady Macbeth sees the opportunity to seize power. She persuades her hesitant husband to murder the king, spiking the guards’ wine to ensure they are incapacitated. Macbeth, though guilt-ridden, carries out the grim deed. Overwhelmed by remorse, he begins to unravel, but Lady Macbeth admonishes him for his weakness, taking charge by framing the guards with bloodied daggers.
Their plan seems successful until Macduff, a nobleman, arrives unexpectedly. The couple feigns shock at Duncan’s murder and hastily accuses the guards, executing them on the spot to avoid suspicion. Realizing the danger they face, Duncan’s sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee the castle, escaping Macbeth’s grasp and unwittingly casting suspicion on themselves.
Act Three
With Duncan dead, Macbeth ascends the throne, fulfilling part of the witches’ prophecy. Yet, paranoia consumes him, especially regarding Banquo and his descendants. Determined to secure his lineage as king, Macbeth orders assassins to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance. While Banquo is murdered, Fleance escapes, leaving Macbeth’s fears unresolved.
Haunted by guilt, Macbeth begins to spiral further. At a banquet, he hallucinates Banquo’s ghost, causing a public outburst that unsettles his guests and sows doubt in Lady Macbeth’s mind about their actions.
Act Four
Seeking reassurance, Macbeth visits the witches again. They provide cryptic prophecies: he cannot be harmed unless Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane, and no man born of a woman can kill him—seemingly impossible scenarios that bolster his confidence. Yet, they remind him that Banquo’s descendants will still inherit the throne, reigniting his paranoia.
In a frenzy, Macbeth orders the slaughter of Macduff’s family, though Macduff himself escapes and joins forces with Malcolm and Donalbain. Their combined forces rally against Macbeth, determined to end his reign.
Act Five
As Macbeth fortifies himself in Dunsinane Castle, alarming news reaches him: Birnam Wood appears to be advancing toward the castle. Malcolm’s army has cleverly camouflaged themselves with branches from the forest, creating the illusion foretold by the witches.
Meanwhile, Lady Macbeth, tormented by guilt and plagued by visions of blood on her hands, succumbs to despair and takes her own life.
In the final battle, Macbeth confronts Macduff, confident in the witches’ prophecy that no man born of a woman can harm him. However, Macduff reveals that he was delivered via a Caesarean section, technically not “born of a woman.” Realizing the witches’ riddles foretold his doom, Macbeth fights valiantly but is ultimately slain. Macduff beheads him and presents it to Malcolm, who assumes the throne, promising peace and stability in Scotland.
King Lear by William Shakespeare
King Lear is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare around 1605, inspired by various myths about the legendary British king, Lear. The play delves into Lear’s descent into madness and destitution after he hands his kingdom over to his manipulative daughters, Goneril and Regan. Shakespeare infused the play with themes like the perils of a divided kingdom, appealing to King James I, his patron. Today, King Lear is regarded as one of Shakespeare’s masterpieces.
At the beginning of the play, King Lear discusses dividing his kingdom with the Earls of Kent and Gloucester. Wishing to retire, Lear decides to split his realm among his three daughters, based on how much they profess to love him. His eldest, Goneril, flatters him, followed by Regan, who tries to outdo her sister. However, his youngest and favorite daughter, Cordelia, refuses to exaggerate, saying she loves him “according to her bond.” Angered by Cordelia’s honesty, Lear disinherits and banishes her. When the Earl of Kent defends Cordelia, Lear banishes him as well.
Lear then offers Cordelia’s hand in marriage to either the Duke of Burgundy or the King of France. Burgundy withdraws his proposal after her disinheritance, but France admires her sincerity and marries her, making her the Queen of France. Lear divides his kingdom between Goneril and Regan, granting their husbands, the Dukes of Albany and Cornwall, dominion over the land. However, Goneril and Regan secretly mock Lear, revealing their insincerity and scheming to consolidate their power.
Lear plans to stay alternately with Goneril and Regan, but they treat him with growing disrespect. Goneril reduces his retinue of knights, and when Lear turns to Regan, she sides with her sister. Lear, humiliated and betrayed, storms out into the wilderness during a raging storm, accompanied by his Fool and the disguised Kent, who has returned to serve him.
Meanwhile, Gloucester’s illegitimate son, Edmund, schemes to usurp his legitimate brother Edgar’s inheritance. He deceives Gloucester with a forged letter, claiming Edgar plans to overthrow him. When Edmund injures himself and blames Edgar, Gloucester declares Edgar a traitor. Edgar flees and disguises himself as a mad beggar named Poor Tom.
As Gloucester learns of Goneril and Regan’s plans against Lear, Edmund betrays him to Cornwall, who blinds Gloucester as punishment. A servant, enraged by this cruelty, attacks and kills Cornwall. Gloucester, now blind and despondent, wishes for death, but Edgar, still in disguise, guides him, tricking him into believing he survived a miraculous fall. The two eventually encounter Lear, now completely mad.
Back at court, Edmund becomes romantically involved with both the widowed Regan and her sister, Goneril, who plots to kill her husband, Albany, to marry Edmund. Albany, growing sympathetic to Lear, opposes the sisters’ schemes. Goneril’s servant, Oswald, carries a letter outlining her plans to Edmund but is intercepted and killed by Edgar, who reveals the treachery to Albany.
Meanwhile, the British defeat a French army led by Cordelia, capturing her and Lear. Edmund orders their execution, but before this can occur, Edgar duels and wounds Edmund, revealing his identity. Edmund confesses to his crimes, including arranging Cordelia’s death to make it appear as a suicide. Goneril, exposed, poisons Regan and takes her own life. Lear enters, devastated, carrying Cordelia’s lifeless body. Overcome with grief, Lear dies.
With the conspirators dead, Albany restores the order, leaving Kent and Edgar to rule the kingdom. Despite the tragic events, the play ends with a glimmer of hope for renewed stability in the realm.
Othello by William Shakespeare
The story unfolds in Venice, amidst a complicated love triangle. The central characters include Othello, a highly respected Moorish military leader, who has secretly wed Desdemona, the beautiful daughter of the Venetian nobleman Brabantio. Brabantio is furious and unaware of this union, seeing it as a betrayal. Iago, a close friend of Othello, harbors resentment after being overlooked for a promotion in favor of the inexperienced Cassio, a Florentine soldier. While Othello and Desdemona’s love is genuine, their union faces strong opposition.
Iago, alongside Rodrigo, a wealthy Venetian infatuated with Desdemona, awakens Brabantio one night to inform him of his daughter’s marriage to Othello. When Brabantio finds out, he accuses Othello of kidnapping Desdemona and attempts to have him imprisoned.
On their wedding night, Othello and Desdemona are interrupted as Othello is called to advise the Duke of Venice on military affairs. The Venetian Senate discusses the Turkish threat to Cyprus. Othello and Desdemona explain their love story, and the Duke gives them his blessing.
The Venetian fleet sails to Cyprus to defend the island, with Othello and Desdemona aboard. Meanwhile, Iago broods over being passed up for promotion, suspecting Othello of having an affair with his wife, Emilia. Filled with jealousy, Iago hatches a malicious plan to ruin Othello.
Upon reaching Cyprus, the Venetian forces rejoice as the Turkish fleet is destroyed by a storm. Iago, however, begins to put his plan into motion, convincing Cassio to drink while on duty, causing a brawl that gets him fired. Iago, pleased with his success, continues to manipulate the situation.
Iago persuades Cassio to seek Desdemona’s help in getting reinstated by Othello, unaware that Othello is beginning to view their interactions as evidence of an affair. Iago, planting seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind, leads him to question Desdemona’s loyalty. Initially trusting his wife, Othello grows consumed with jealousy, falling ill from the anxiety.
Desdemona, trying to comfort him, inadvertently loses a handkerchief given to Othello as a token of love. The handkerchief is picked up by Emilia, who gives it to Iago. Iago plants it in Cassio’s room, furthering Othello’s suspicions and igniting his fury.
Othello, convinced of Desdemona’s betrayal after seeing Cassio with the handkerchief, vows to kill both Cassio and Desdemona. Iago, in his deceit, suggests Othello strangle Desdemona.
Othello, overwhelmed by Iago’s lies, smothers Desdemona in a tragic and heart-wrenching scene. Emilia uncovers Iago’s role in the murder, but in his madness, Iago kills her to silence her. Othello, realizing too late that he’s been manipulated, understands Desdemona’s innocence and, overcome with grief, takes his own life.
In the end, no one escapes tragedy, and the devastating consequences of jealousy and manipulation unfold, leaving the characters in ruin.
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Cassius learns from Casca that Caesar was offered the crown three times but refused it, each time becoming more agitated, revealing his desire to accept it. That night, Cassius, Casca, and other conspirators plot to visit Brutus the following day to convince him to join their plan to assassinate Caesar. To sway Brutus, Cassius forges letters that appear to be from concerned Roman citizens urging action against Caesar’s growing power.
Brutus struggles with his decision but keeps his inner conflict from his wife, Portia, despite her pleas. After a restless night, Brutus resolves to join the conspiracy. Meanwhile, Caesar’s wife, Calpurnia, experiences ominous dreams about his death and tries to dissuade him from attending the Senate. However, Decius uses flattery to change Caesar’s mind. At the Senate, the conspirators ambush and stab Caesar, with his final words expressing shock at Brutus’ betrayal.
Despite Cassius’ mistrust, Brutus allows Mark Antony to deliver Caesar’s funeral speech. Antony’s eloquent oration subtly stirs the crowd against the conspirators, inciting a violent mob that forces Brutus and Cassius to flee Rome. The city descends into chaos, with Antony, Octavius (Caesar’s nephew), and Lepidus forming a coalition to oppose Brutus, Cassius, and the other conspirators in civil war.
Tensions rise between Brutus and Cassius as they argue over corruption and finances, though they eventually reconcile. Upon learning that Antony and Octavius’ forces are advancing, they decide to face them at Philippi. Brutus receives devastating news that Portia has taken her life, unable to endure life under Antony and Octavius’ rule. As he steels himself for battle, Caesar’s ghost appears, foretelling their next encounter on the battlefield.
At Philippi, Brutus exploits a perceived weakness in Octavius’ forces, but Cassius misinterprets the battle’s events, believing his ally has been captured. Overcome with despair, Cassius orders his servant Pindarus to kill him. The tide shifts in favor of Antony and Octavius, and Brutus, unwilling to face capture, takes his own life.
Upon discovering Brutus’ body, Antony praises him as the noblest of all Romans, recognizing his actions were driven by a sense of honor rather than personal ambition. Antony ensures Brutus is given a dignified burial, and he and Octavius return to Rome to celebrate their victory.
For further exploration of Julius Caesar, including an analysis of its themes, explore additional lessons in this series.
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
After a brief introduction, the play begins with a violent clash between two feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets, who have been bitter rivals for generations—though no one remembers the cause of their conflict. Among the Montagues, only Romeo remains uninterested in the fight, consumed instead by his unrequited love for a woman named Rosaline.
Later that day, a group of Montagues crashes a party hosted by the Capulets. At the event, Romeo and Juliet lock eyes and are instantly captivated by each other. They soon discover the devastating truth: they belong to rival families. That same night, Romeo sneaks into Juliet’s orchard, where they confess their love and resolve to marry in secret. With the help of Juliet’s Nurse and Friar Lawrence, the couple is wed the next day—less than 24 hours after meeting.
Trouble quickly follows. That afternoon, Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin, challenges Romeo to a duel. Romeo’s friend, Mercutio, steps in to defend him but is fatally wounded. Enraged, Romeo kills Tybalt in retaliation. When the Prince learns of these events, he spares Romeo’s life but banishes him from Verona. Juliet, devastated by the news, is heartbroken—a tragic start to her marriage.
Fleeing Verona, Romeo seeks guidance from Friar Lawrence, who reassures him and advises patience. Romeo spends one last night with Juliet before his exile. Their brief happiness is shattered when Juliet’s parents insist she marry Paris, a wealthy suitor. Desperate for a solution, Juliet turns to Friar Lawrence. The Friar devises a daring plan: Juliet will feign agreement to marry Paris, but before the wedding, she will drink a potion that makes her appear dead. While her family mourns and places her in the Capulet tomb, Romeo is informed of the plan and rescues her.
Juliet takes the potion and falls into a deathlike sleep. Her family, believing her dead, lays her in the family vault. However, the Friar’s message never reaches Romeo. Instead, Romeo hears of Juliet’s supposed death and, overwhelmed with grief, rushes back to Verona.
Finding Juliet seemingly lifeless in the tomb, Romeo drinks poison and dies by her side. Moments later, Juliet awakens to find Romeo dead. Overcome with despair, she takes her own life with a dagger.
The tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet finally compel the Montagues and Capulets to confront the devastating consequences of their feud. They reconcile, vowing peace in honor of their children—a small glimmer of hope amid sorrow.
For more insights into Romeo and Juliet, including an in-depth analysis of its themes, explore our additional lessons.
Comedies of William Shakespeare
Shakespeare is renowned for his plays and is considered a great playwright. He authored 38 plays, including fourteen comedies. While he is mostly celebrated for his tragedies, his comedies are also very popular. Some of his well-known comedies include “As You Like It”, “The Comedy of Errors”, “Measure for Measure”, “The Merchant of Venice”, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “The Tempest”, and “Twelfth Night”.
As You Like It by William Shakespeare
As You Like It is one of Shakespeare’s celebrated comedies, featuring themes of sibling rivalry, romance, and disguise. The story begins with two sets of brothers, each from different families, entangled in conflicts. One brother has a daughter, Rosalind, who falls in love with Orlando, a young man from the other family. Shakespeare masterfully incorporates his favorite motifs, including mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and humorous confusion. Written in 1599, the play was first staged in 1603 but wasn’t published until 1623. Set predominantly in the idyllic countryside, the pastoral comedy is filled with humor and concludes with a joyous ending.
Main Characters
- Duke Senior: Rosalind’s father and the rightful duke, living in exile.
- Rosalind: The play’s heroine, the daughter of Duke Senior.
- Duke Frederick: The antagonist, brother to Duke Senior.
- Celia: Daughter of Duke Frederick and Rosalind’s loyal cousin.
- Orlando: The hero and Rosalind’s love interest.
- Oliver: Orlando’s envious elder brother.
- Ganymede: Rosalind’s male disguise.
- Aliena: Celia’s disguise as Ganymede’s sister.
- Silvius: A shepherd in love with Phoebe.
- Adam: Orlando’s faithful servant.
- Touchstone: Duke Frederick’s jester, accompanying Rosalind and Celia.
- Phoebe: A shepherdess in love with Ganymede.
- Audrey: A country girl courted by Touchstone.
Summary of the Play
The story unfolds in a French dukedom marked by family disputes over power. Duke Senior, the rightful ruler, is overthrown by his brother, Duke Frederick, and sent into exile. Rosalind, Duke Senior’s daughter, remains at court due to her close bond with Celia, Frederick’s daughter.
Meanwhile, Orlando, a young man at odds with his older brother Oliver, faces danger when Oliver schemes to have him killed in a wrestling match. Orlando triumphs and catches Rosalind’s attention. She gives him a chain as a token of her admiration, and the two fall for each other.
Learning of his brother’s continued hostility, Orlando flees to the Forest of Arden with his loyal servant, Adam. Shortly after, Duke Frederick banishes Rosalind. Refusing to part with her cousin, Celia joins Rosalind, and they set off for the forest disguised—Rosalind as the young man Ganymede, and Celia as Aliena. Touchstone, the court jester, accompanies them.
Life in the Forest of Arden
The Forest of Arden is a haven for the exiled Duke Senior and his companions, including the melancholic Jaques. Orlando and Adam are warmly received by the exiled group. Orlando, believing he has lost Rosalind, writes love poems to her and hangs them on trees.
Rosalind, disguised as Ganymede, encounters Orlando and proposes to help him overcome his heartache by pretending to be Rosalind for his practice of courtship. This leads to a series of misunderstandings and humorous scenarios.
Silvius, a shepherd, pines for Phoebe, but Phoebe falls for Ganymede. Touchstone pursues Audrey, a simple country girl, while William, another shepherd, also vies for Audrey’s affection. Romantic chaos ensues as identities remain hidden and affections are misplaced.
Resolution
Oliver, sent by Duke Frederick to find Orlando, is saved by his brother from a wild animal in the forest. This act of bravery reconciles the brothers, and Oliver falls in love with Celia. Meanwhile, Rosalind, still disguised, promises to resolve the romantic entanglements.
In a joyous conclusion, Rosalind reveals her identity, leading to her marriage with Orlando. Celia weds Oliver, Touchstone marries Audrey, and Phoebe, discovering Ganymede’s true identity, accepts Silvius. Duke Frederick undergoes a spiritual transformation and renounces his claim to the dukedom, restoring Duke Senior to power.
The play ends with harmony restored and all couples united in marriage, celebrating love and forgiveness.
The Tempest by William Shakespeare
The Tempest lives up to its name, beginning on a ship caught in a fierce storm near an island off the coast of Italy. Onboard are important nobles returning from a wedding: Alonso, King of Naples; his son Ferdinand; his brother Sebastian; Antonio, the Duke of Milan; the courtier Gonzalo; and others. Instead of helping the crew during the storm, the nobles berate them. Tragically, the ship breaks apart and sinks.
On the island, Prospero, a powerful magician, and his daughter, Miranda, watch the storm from safety. Prospero, who orchestrated the storm using magic, reassures Miranda that no one was harmed. He then explains how they came to the island: Prospero was once the Duke of Milan, but his brother Antonio betrayed him with Alonso’s help, forcing Prospero and the young Miranda into exile. Thanks to Gonzalo’s aid, they survived with provisions and Prospero’s precious books, arriving at the island where they’ve lived for 12 years. Now, all his old enemies are within reach, and Prospero is determined to settle the score.
The island is also home to Ariel, a spirit Prospero freed from imprisonment in a tree by a witch, and Caliban, the witch’s son. Ariel serves as Prospero’s loyal helper, while Caliban, treated as a servant, does menial tasks like gathering firewood. After putting Miranda to sleep, Ariel reports that he carried out Prospero’s orders to sink the ship without harming anyone. He has scattered the survivors across the island, with Ferdinand cast ashore alone, believing he is the only one to survive. Led by Ariel’s magical songs, Ferdinand meets Miranda, and they instantly fall in love. However, Prospero, suspicious of Ferdinand’s intentions, accuses him of being a spy and imprisons him, despite Miranda’s protests.
Meanwhile, King Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, and Gonzalo are in another part of the island. Believing Ferdinand is dead, Alonso begins searching for his son. Ariel casts a spell that puts everyone to sleep except Sebastian and Antonio, who plot to kill Alonso so Sebastian can claim the throne. Their scheme is interrupted when Ariel wakes the group just in time.
Elsewhere, Caliban is resentful of his servitude and encounters Trinculo, the king’s jester, who mistakes him for a corpse and hides under his cloak. Stefano, the ship’s butler, soon arrives, drunk and singing. He shares his liquor with Caliban and Trinculo, and the tipsy Caliban hails Stefano as a god, offering to help him take over the island.
Back with Ferdinand, Prospero tests the young prince by assigning him hard labor, but Ferdinand remains cheerful because of his growing love for Miranda. Secretly observing, Prospero approves of their relationship and allows them to get engaged.
Elsewhere, Ariel spies on the drunk trio of Caliban, Trinculo, and Stefano as they plot to steal Prospero’s magical books and kill him. Before dealing with them, Ariel returns to Alonso’s group, who stumble upon a magical feast conjured by Prospero. When they attempt to eat, Ariel appears as a harpy, accusing Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian of their past crimes. Terrified, they flee in guilt and confusion.
Prospero celebrates Ferdinand and Miranda’s engagement with a magical performance of spirits but suddenly remembers Caliban’s plot. Ariel cleverly distracts the conspirators with fine clothing, then unleashes spirit hounds to scare them off.
Finally, Prospero confronts Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian. Alonso expresses deep remorse for his betrayal and agrees to restore Prospero as Duke of Milan. Prospero forgives his enemies, though Antonio and Sebastian remain unrepentant. Alonso is overjoyed to learn that Ferdinand is alive and engaged to Miranda, and the group plans to return to Naples for the wedding. Ariel prepares the ship for the journey and earns his freedom as a reward.
Prospero also pardons Caliban, Trinculo, and Stefano for their plotting. He renounces magic forever, breaking his staff and addressing the audience directly, asking for their forgiveness and a final release from the island. With that, Prospero retires in peace, bringing the story to a close.
The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
Act One: Setting the Stage in Venice
The play begins in Venice, where we meet Antonio, a merchant who has invested heavily in shipping ventures and hopes to profit from their success. Despite the love and support of his many friends, Antonio feels inexplicably melancholic. Meanwhile, his close friend Bassanio faces a dilemma: he needs money to court the wealthy and beautiful Portia. Antonio, ever generous, vows to help Bassanio secure the funds.
In Belmont, Portia, though rich and sought after, is bound by her late father’s will, which dictates she must marry the man who solves a riddle involving three caskets—gold, silver, and lead. Bassanio, the man she secretly admires, cannot afford to compete for her hand. Back in Venice, Antonio approaches Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, to borrow 3,000 ducats for Bassanio. Tensions run high, as Antonio, a Christian, harbors prejudice against Shylock, who resents Antonio for his discriminatory treatment. Shylock agrees to the loan but attaches a sinister condition: if Antonio fails to repay on time, Shylock will demand a pound of his flesh. Confident his ships will return with ample profit, Antonio accepts the terms.
Act Two: Trials in Love and Betrayal
In Belmont, the suitors begin attempting Portia’s riddle. The Prince of Morocco selects the gold casket, only to find a skull inside, symbolizing the folly of valuing outward appearances. Portia is relieved when he departs.
In Venice, Shylock’s servant, Lancelot, plans to leave his master and work for Bassanio, claiming Shylock mistreats him. Meanwhile, Shylock’s daughter Jessica, disillusioned with her father, elopes with Lorenzo, a Christian, stealing her father’s wealth as she flees. Back in Belmont, the Prince of Aragon chooses the silver casket, discovering a fool’s portrait inside—a reflection of his misguided judgment.
Act Three: Fortunes Falter
Rumors spread in Venice that Antonio’s ships have been lost at sea, jeopardizing his ability to repay the loan. Shylock, embittered by years of mistreatment, insists on enforcing the bond, expressing the pain of prejudice he has endured. Meanwhile, Bassanio arrives in Belmont and chooses the lead casket, winning Portia’s hand. Portia gives Bassanio a ring as a token of their union, and he promises never to part with it. Similarly, Gratiano, Bassanio’s friend, announces his engagement to Nerissa, Portia’s maid, and receives a ring with the same vow.
Celebrations are cut short by news of Antonio’s financial ruin and Shylock’s demand for the pound of flesh. Despite Portia’s offer to repay the debt, Shylock refuses, seeking revenge instead. Bassanio hurries back to Venice, unaware that Portia and Nerissa plan to follow in disguise.
Act Four: Justice and Mercy
In a dramatic courtroom scene in Venice, Shylock prepares to claim his bond, sharpening a knife in anticipation. Disguised as a male lawyer, Portia initially supports Shylock’s legal right but then cleverly invokes two overlooked laws. First, no outsider may shed Venetian blood, and second, no outsider may plot against a Venetian’s life. Shylock, as a non-Christian outsider, is found guilty of both offenses. His punishment: he must forfeit his wealth and convert to Christianity. Defeated and humiliated, Shylock leaves in despair.
Grateful for their rescue, Bassanio and Gratiano offer their rings to the disguised Portia and Nerissa, unaware they are giving them to their wives, breaking their earlier promises.
Act Five: Revelations and Reunions
Back in Belmont, Portia and Nerissa confront Bassanio and Gratiano, humorously questioning them about the missing rings. Eventually, the truth is revealed, and the men are forgiven. The play concludes on a joyful note: Lorenzo and Jessica are set to inherit Shylock’s fortune, Antonio learns that three of his ships have returned safely, and the reunited couples reaffirm their vows.
Nearly everyone finds happiness, and the story closes with a sense of resolution and reconciliation.
Sonnets of William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets. A sonnet is a fourteen-line poem written in iambic pentameter. The Italian poet Petrarch initially developed this poetic form, but Shakespeare significantly modified it. Now, let’s explore some of the well-known Shakespearean sonnets.
Sonnet I by William Shakespeare
From fairest creatures we desire increase,
That thereby beauty’s rose might never die,
But as the riper should by time decease, His tender heir might bear his memory,
But thou, contracted to thine own bright eyes, Feed’st thy light’s flame with self-subtantial fury
Making a famine where abundance lies, Thyself thy foe, to thy sweet self too cruel.
Thou that art now the world’s fresh ornament.
And only herald to the gaudy spring,
Within thine own bud buriest try content,
And, tender chud, mak’st waste in niggarding.
Pity the world, or else this ghutton be,
To eat the world’s due, by the grave and thee.
Short Analysis
This opening sonnet from William Shakespeare’s collection introduces recurring themes such as beauty, love, immortality, time, and mortality. The poem explores these ideas compactly and symbolically. The first quatrain reflects on the concept of beauty’s immortality. While a rose may wither and fade, its beauty is reborn in new blossoms, signifying the cyclical and enduring nature of beauty. This establishes a foundational idea for the sonnet.
The young man addressed in the poem is criticized for hoarding his beauty by choosing not to marry. His actions are likened to narcissism—falling in love with oneself to the point of self-destruction. This selfishness is seen as a form of greed, as he refuses to share his beauty through posterity. Shakespeare emphasizes that one of life’s purposes is procreation, and by not marrying or having children, the young man neglects this fundamental human duty.
Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare
Sonnet 18, one of William Shakespeare’s most celebrated works, is hailed as a masterpiece in the realm of English literature. Known for its profound themes and meticulous structure, the poem has been extensively praised by critics. It is part of the “Procreation Sonnets,” a series extending from Sonnet 1 to Sonnet 126, which encourages the “Fair Youth” to marry and ensure his beauty lives on through offspring. This mysterious “Fair Youth” remains an enigma; neither his identity nor his relationship with Shakespeare is definitively known. Despite this uncertainty, Sonnet 18 stands as a timeless piece, renowned for its lyrical beauty and thematic depth.
In this sonnet, Shakespeare reflects on whether to compare his beloved to a summer’s day. He ultimately concludes that his beloved surpasses summer in beauty and constancy. Shakespeare argues that summer is fleeting, as its splendor fades swiftly with the arrival of winter. Unlike summer, the beloved’s beauty is eternal and untouchable, safeguarded by the poet’s verses. Through the immortality granted by poetry, the beloved’s essence will endure for as long as humanity exists.
Line-by-Line Explanation
Lines 1-2
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.”
Here, the poet ponders whether to liken his beloved to a summer’s day. However, he quickly resolves that the beloved’s beauty exceeds summer’s charms, being more graceful and consistent. The term “temperate” suggests moderation and constancy, qualities absent in the ever-changing summer. The poet implies that while summer’s beauty is transient, the beloved’s allure is eternal.
Lines 3-4
“Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.”
These lines expand on the impermanence of summer. Harsh winds can disrupt its beauty, shaking the delicate blossoms that symbolize its charm. Moreover, summer’s “lease” is short-lived, subject to nature’s unyielding cycles. This temporal quality contrasts with the everlasting beauty of the poet’s beloved.
Lines 5-6
“Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimmed.”
Shakespeare critiques the sun, personified as the “eye of heaven,” for its inconsistency. At times, its rays are unbearably hot, while clouds often obscure its brilliance, making its golden glow appear faint. This further highlights the limitations of summer’s beauty compared to the beloved’s unchanging splendor.
Lines 7-8
“And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimmed.”
The poet observes that all beautiful things inevitably fade, whether due to chance occurrences or the natural progression of time. The term “untrimmed” suggests a loss of perfection, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of beauty. However, the beloved’s beauty stands apart, immune to such decline.
Lines 9-10
“But thy eternal summer shall not fade, Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest.”
Shakespeare asserts that the beloved’s “eternal summer,” representing their beauty and vitality, will never diminish. Unlike seasonal beauty, which fades with time, the beloved’s radiance is timeless, unyielding to the forces of nature.
Lines 11-12
“Nor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade, When in eternal lines to Time thou grow’st.”
Here, the poet triumphantly declares that Death itself cannot claim the beloved. Immortalized in the “eternal lines” of the sonnet, the beloved transcends mortality. The poetic verses serve as a shield, ensuring the beloved remains untouched by Death’s grasp.
Lines 13-14
“So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”
The concluding couplet underscores the enduring power of the poem. As long as humanity exists to read and appreciate Shakespeare’s words, the beloved’s beauty will remain alive. The sonnet thus becomes a vessel of immortality, preserving the beloved’s essence across time.
Key Themes
- Immortality through Art:
Shakespeare immortalizes the beloved’s beauty in verse, emphasizing the enduring nature of poetry compared to fleeting physical beauty. - Transience of Nature:
The poet juxtaposes the fleeting beauty of summer with the timeless allure of the beloved, highlighting the limitations of natural phenomena. - Power of Love and Admiration:
The poem reflects the profound impact of love and admiration, which inspires the poet to preserve the beloved’s legacy.
Conclusion
Sonnet 18 remains an iconic testament to the enduring power of art and the human desire to immortalize beauty. Its universal themes and eloquent expression continue to captivate readers, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of literary excellence. Through this sonnet, Shakespeare’s beloved—and the poet’s genius—live on, undiminished by time.
William Shakespeare in Job Questions
William Shakespeare is an essential writer, often featured in almost every competitive exam. Candidates aiming to excel in their job exams must study Shakespeare’s works. Here, we will discuss some previous exam questions related to his writings. These questions are crucial as they frequently appear in various exams. Let’s get started!
Part One
(1) Shakespeare was a ___ playwright.
Ans: English
(2) Shakespeare was a writer from ___.
Ans: England
(3) William Shakespeare is a great ___.
Ans: playwright
(4) Where was Shakespeare born?
Ans: Stratford-upon-Avon
(5) William Shakespeare was born in __.
Ans: 1564
(6) The national poet of England is ___
Ans: Shakespeare
(7) Which period of British literature does Shakespeare belong to?
Ans: Elizabethan
(8) William Shakespeare was an English dramatist and poet of the __ century.
Ans: sixteenth
(9) Shakespeare lived in the reign of __.
Ans: Elizabeth I
(10) William Shakespeare is a famous __.
Ans: dramatist
(11) Shakespeare composed much of his plays in what sort of verse?
Ans: Iambic pentameter
(12) Who has written the play ‘Julius Caesar’?
Ans: William Shakespeare
(13) Who wrote the plays ‘The Tempest’ and ‘A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream’?
Ans: William Shakespeare
(14) Shakespeare’s ‘Measure for Measure’ is a successful __.
Ans: tragi-comedy
(15) Who has written the play, ‘Much Ado About Nothing’?
Ans: William Shakespeare
(16) Who is the author of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’?
Ans: Shakespeare
(17) In what year did Shakespeare die?
Ans: 1616 AD
(18) Who wrote Hamlet?
Ans: Shakespeare
(19) Hamlet is a __.
Ans: tragedy
(20) The name of Hamlet’s fiancée is __.
Ans: Ophelia
(21) ‘__ is Shakespeare’s last play.
Ans: Tempest
(22) Caliban is a character in__.
Ans: The Tempest.
Part Two
(01) ‘Frailty thy name is a woman’ is a famous dialogue from ___.
Ans: W. Shakespeare
(02) ‘Frailty, thy name is woman’ -in which play do you find this?
Ans: Hamlet
(03) ‘brevity is the soul of wit’ who told it?
Ans: Shakespeare
(04) To be or not to be_ that is the question, _ is a famous soliloquy from__.
Ans: Hamlet
(05) ‘There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy’ is a famous dialogue from__
Ans: Hamlet
(06) Where do you find the view that ‘There is a divinity that shapes our ends’?
Ans: In Hamlet
(07) Who has written the play, ‘King Lear’?
Ans: Shakespeare
(08) Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’ is a __.
Ans: Tragedy
(09) Macbeth is __.
Ans: a play
(10) What kind of literary creation ‘Macbeth’ is?
Ans: Tragedy
(11) ‘Three Witches’ are important characters in__.
Ans: Macbeth
(12) ‘All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand’ is a quotation from__.
Ans: Macbeth
(13) ‘All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.’ -Who said this?
Ans: Lady Macbeth
(14) The name of Othello’s wife is __.
Ans: Desdemona
(15) Othello gave Desdemona __ as a token of love.
Ans: Handkerchief
(16) Othello is a Shakespeare’s play about __.
Ans: A Moor
(17) Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’ is a__.
Ans: tragedy
(18) Who said ‘Cowards die many times before their death’?
Ans: Shakespeare
(19) ‘Cowards die many times before their death.’ said by __.
Ans: Julius Caesar
(20) Cowards die __ before death.
Ans: many times
(21) William Shakespeare wrote __.
Ans: Tempest
(22) The characters Prospero, Alonso, and Antonio are from __.
Ans: The Tempest
Part Three
(01) Who has written the play ‘Romeo and Juliet’?
Ans: William Shakespeare
(02) The drama ‘ Romeo and Juliet’ is a __.
Ans: tragedy
(03) ‘What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.’ -Who said this?
Ans: Juliet
(04) Who has stated ‘Sweet are the uses of adversity’?
Ans: Shakespeare
(05) Who has written these lines, ‘All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrance, And each man in his time plays many parts, His act being seven ages’?
Ans: William Shakespeare
(06) ‘All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players’ a quotation from Shakespeare’s __.
Ans: As you like it
(07) Who wrote the short song ‘Love and Friendship’?
Ans: William Shakespeare
(08) Who wrote the poem ‘Under the Green Wood Tree’?
Ans: William Shakespeare
(09) In ‘Under the Greenwood Tree’ the ‘Tree’ refers to __.
Ans: Forest
(10) In the lines “Here shall he see/No enemy’ taken from ‘Under the Greenwood Tree.’ here stands for __.
Ans: Nature
(11) In ‘Under the Greenwood Tree’ the poet __.
Ans: mentions two enemies
(12) What is the major attraction of life as expressed in ‘under the green wood tree?’
Ans: no enemy
(13) ‘The sweet bird’s throat’ in ‘Under the Greenwood tree’ refers to __.
Ans: The melodious song of the bird
(14) Shakespeare thinks that the only enemies in the forest are __
Ans: cold winter and rough weather
(15) Who has written the drama, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’?
Ans: Shakespeare
(16) Who has written the drama, ‘The Merchant of Venice’?
Ans: Shakespeare
(17) Shakespeare’s ‘Merchant of Venice’ is a ___.
Ans: Comedy
(18) The Merchant of Venice is a Shakespearean play about __.
Ans: a Jew
(19) ‘I am a Jew. hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs-‘ Where is this from?
Ans: The Merchant of Venice
(20) ‘Twelfth Night’ is __.
Ans: A Comedy
(21) Which is known as Shakespeare’s swansong?
Ans: The Tempest
Read More: Clause: Definition and Types with Examples and Exercises
That’s all for today’s article. We hope you found our discussion on William Shakespeare’s beautiful dramas and sonnets insightful. If you enjoyed the article, please stay with BD JOBZ PREPARATION and share it with your friends. We’ll be back soon with another literary work. Stay tuned to BD JOBZ PREPARATION, and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Thank you for reading!
