William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Of course, you know the name of William Shakespeare. He was one of the greatest writers in the world.

He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, a small town in England.

The school in Stratford was very strict at that time. The pupils had to come to school at six o’clock in the morning in summer and at seven in winter. The school day was long, and only during the holidays could William rest. He liked to go to the woods and the River Avon.

The most exciting thing for young William was when groups of actors came to Stratford. He watched their plays and decided that he wanted to be an actor too.

When William was twenty-one, he went to London. He became an actor there and later started to write plays.

Shakespeare wrote about people and their lives. His stories show love, friendship, dreams, and problems that people still have today.

Shakespeare’s characters are still on the stage. We go to the theater or watch films to see them again and again.