Christopher la roche biography of william shakespeare

&#;SHAKESPEARE, WILLIAM (–), dramatist and poet, came of a family whose surname was borne through the middle ages by residents in very many parts of England—at Penrith in Cumberland, at Kirkland and Doncaster in Yorkshire, as well as in nearly all the midland counties. Distribution
of the name. The surname had originally a martial significance, implying capacity in the wielding of the spear (Camden, Remains, ed. , p. ; Verstegan, Restitution, ). Its first recorded holder is John Shakespeare, who in was living at ‘Freyndon,’ perhaps Frittenden, Kent (Plac. Cor. 7 Edw. I, Kanc.; cf. Notes and Queries, 1st ser. xi. ). The great mediæval guild of St. Anne at Knowle, whose members included the leading inhabitants of Warwickshire, was joined by many Shakespeares in the fifteenth century (cf. Reg. ed. Bickley, ). In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries the surname is found far more frequently in Warwickshire than elsewhere. The archives of no less than twenty-four towns and villages there contain notices of Shakespeare families in the sixteenth century, and as many as thirty-four Warwickshire towns or villages were inhabited by Shakespeare families in the seventeenth century. Among them all William was a common christian name. At Rowington, twelve miles to the north of Stratford, and in the same hundred of Barlichway, one of the most prolific Shakespeare families of Warwickshire resided in the sixteenth century, and no less than three Richard Shakespeares of Rowington, whose extant wills were proved respectively in , , and , were fathers of sons called William. At least one other William Shakespeare was during the period a resident in Rowington. As a consequence, the poet has been more than once credited with achievements which rightly belong to one or other of his numerous contemporaries who were identically named.

The poet's ancestry cannot be traced with certainty beyond his grandfather. The

Shakespeare is not a dead poet who lived long ago, but a breathing spirit thrusting himself into our everyday lives. In all countries of the world, in all languages, Shakespeare continues to speak profoundly to mankind.

His poems and plays have made him an immortal in literature, but not because they are scholarly. He knew human life and human passion intimately, and told about them in a sensitive, lively and intelligible way.

Shakespeare, like us, lived in troubled years. Between and much of Europe was ravaged by war, cruelty, self-seeking, loneliness and thoughts too strong to be expressed by ordinary people.

He could not have chosen a more exciting or inspiring time to arrive in London. The whole country was in a state of transition, in a fever of nationalism. The people loved and were loved by their unparalleled Queen, Elizabeth, their seamen had sailed strange seas, showing the flag in parts of the world till then not known, education was spreading through newly established schools, and there was sprouting a new civic conscience about the needs of the poor. The middle class was emerging, capitalism was trying its wings, and every week brought changes and discoveries.

Shakespeare came upon the stage at a time when a blending force was needed. Eight of his ten history plays present a sequence of wars in Europe and the civil war at home, covering a century of intrigue and armed rebellion. These hearty tales of adventure and glory were calculated to inspire Elizabeth&#;s people in their new role as a world nation.

Life and thought were speeding up among the generality of the people. There were essayists, even as today, holding forth against tobacco, alcohol, the habits of young people and the dress and primping of women. Control of traffic on the streets was a problem: a writer of that time said &#;In every street, carts and coaches make such a thundering as if the world ran upon wheels.&#; Me

In William Shakespeare's 'Measure for Measure,' the play unfolds in the city of Vienna, where the Duke temporarily hands over power to Lord Angelo in order to reform the laws. The story explores themes of justice, morality, and hypocrisy through a complex plot filled with deception and intrigue. Shakespeare's use of language is a hallmark of his work, with rich dialogue and intricate wordplay that adds depth to the characters and their motivations. 'Measure for Measure' is considered a dark comedy, blending elements of tragedy and comedy in a thought-provoking way that challenges societal norms and expectations. The play is a reflection of the uncertainties and complexities of human nature, inviting readers to question their own beliefs and values. Overall, 'Measure for Measure' is a compelling work that offers a nuanced examination of human behavior and societal constructs, making it a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers centuries after its initial publication.