The month of April celebrates Easter—and Earth Day—and is the birth month of many celebrities, including Robert Downey Jr., Paul Rudd, Jackie Chan, Emma Watson, and Eddie Murphy. Most people forget that one of the most important and famous people of all time was born and died in April. That man is William Shakespeare. Shakespeare is known for being a prolific playwright, poem writer, and actor. His greatest pieces are Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, and Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare is said to be the greatest writer in the English language and influenced language and literature greatly. His plays and poems have transcended time and continue to influence theater, literature, and culture. Not only is Shakespeare the greatest writer in the English language, but he also has a deep understanding of human emotions. His themes of love, jealousy, betrayal, and power continue to resonate with readers centuries later. 

Shakespeare was born on April 23rd, 1564 in Stratford, UK. Shakespeare was the oldest of his two brothers and got an education at a grammar school, and then went on to marry Anne Hathaway at the age of 18. By 1594, Shakespeare was a rising playwright and was an actor in the play King’s Men. Shakespeare’s early plays were mostly comedies and, while the date is uncertain, Romeo and Juliet were written between the late 1580s and the mid-1590s. Romeo and Juliet is considered very advanced for its time, while some elements were rooted in contemporary Italian policies; the themes of love, loss, and family conflict are themes that still resonate and are themes that readers can relate to today. Not only did the play have timeless themes, but it was different from the other plays in that era. The play introduced a new perspective on love and social norms of the time, which created conflicts but also helped advance society.

Between 1600 and 1607, Shakespeare wrote the tragedies Hamlet, Othello, and Macbeth.  Each play is great and each could be discussed as the greatest play of all time, but they all have something in common. Each shows how Shakespeare had a deep understanding of human emotions. Shakespeare’s use of poetic devices increases the emotional impact of stories. Shakespeare’s ability to create phrases and memorable lines allows the audience to connect deeply with the characters. Macbeth, Hamlet, and Othello each deal with moral dilemmas, allowing audiences to reflect on their lives and the consequences of their actions, making sure that the plays stay relevant for generations to come.

Shakespeare is also credited with creating many phrases and words that many use today. Some examples include: “Break the Ice,” “Heart of Gold,” and “Wild-goose Chase.” Shakespeare had a mastery of the English language, he could manipulate words to create phrases and expressions that are used today. Shakespeare created characters with unique voices and personalities. This allowed the audience to connect with the characters and experience the tragedy and triumph the characters went through on stage. Shakespeare retired back to Stratford from 1610 until his death, which occurred on his birthday, April 23rd,1616. Shakespeare’s works encourage us to reflect and engage in conversations. By appreciating his legacy, many fans acknowledge his role in literature and the lasting ability of stories to connect and uplift individuals everywhere.