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On this day in history, the English language changed forever. 

There are few historical figures as universally known, praised and emulated as the enigmatic William Shakespeare, whose personal life remains shrouded in mystery to scholars.

Born in Stratford-Upon-Avon in 1564, Shakespeare was the only son of John Shakespeare, a leather trader. Most of Shakespeare’s life can only be assumed or partially understood from scarce marriage and baptism records, but it is known that he married Anne Hathaway when he was 18, had three children, and died on his birthday in 1616.

His son, Hamnet, died young of the plague, and it is widely accepted that Shakespeare’s grief likely inspired his closely-named tragedy Hamlet, which debuted only a few years after Hamnet’s death. 

Across his career, Shakespeare created plays and sonnets that have survived nearly 400 years, never losing the interest of the public. In addition to providing theater with some of the most performed pieces, he also introduced over 1,700 new words to the English language: “eyeball,” “bedroom,” “swagger” and “assassination” to name a few.

Despite his influence, scholars have been in a centuries-long debate over whether or not he was the sole author of many of his works or merely a figurehead for other writers’ contributions. Sir Francis Bacon and poet Christopher Marlowe are often cited as potential candidates. However, despite the interesting possibility of Shakespeare’s fraudulence, the “Anti-Stratfordians” are largely not taken seriously by scholars and seen as a fringe theory. 

Fully describing the scale of Shakespeare’s fame is nearly impossible. His name has become synonymous with talent, perfection, and one’s reputation as a “Great.” For one so far removed from the likes of common men, as it were, his work truly is a testament to his craft. Scarcely any works of literature are as timeless as his, and it is impossible to imagine a day when the world forgets William Shakespeare.  

As the Bard wrote, “Love all, trust few, do harm to none.”

 

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