William Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet balcony scene in Verona
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William Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. Shakespeare's works have been translated into every major living language. His plays are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

Shakespeare's works include 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems. His plays explore themes such as love, jealousy, betrayal, and revenge. Shakespeare's influence on literature and the arts has been profound and enduring.

Too Long Didn’t Read

  • William Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet.
  • He was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
  • Shakespeare wrote many famous plays, including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth.
  • His works have been translated into many languages and are still performed around the world today.
  • Shakespeare is often considered one of the greatest writers in the English language.

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  • Timeline

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    Study the timeline of each module of William Shakespeare, to see the events step by step.

  • Fact List

    Fact List

    A list of essential facts about William Shakespeare is presented in the following bullet points.

  • Wizard's Pub Quiz

    Wizard’s Pub Quiz

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  • Quickfire Challenge

    Quickfire Challenge

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  • Scrambled Letters

    Scrambled Letters

    Rearrange the letters to make words relating to the subject.

  • Temporal Tangle

    Temporal Tangle

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  • Truth

    Truth

    Find the truth in this relaxed-paced game!

  • Missing Words

    Missing Words

    Complete the sentences by filling in the blanks

Learning Modules for William Shakespeare

  • Romeo and Juliet

    Romeo and Juliet is a timeless tale of forbidden love between two young lovers from rival families, the Montagues and Capulets. Despite the odds stacked against them, Romeo and Juliet's passion and devotion to each other lead to a tragic end that continues to captivate audiences around the world.

  • Two Gentlemen of Verona

    Shakespeare's comedic masterpiece, Two Gentlemen of Verona, follows the journey of two best friends, Valentine and Proteus, as they navigate love, friendship, and betrayal in the vibrant city of Verona. Filled with mistaken identities and hilarious misunderstandings, this play is a delightful exploration of the complexities of human relationships.

  • The Two Noble Kinsmen

    "The Two Noble Kinsmen" is a tragicomedy written by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher. Set in ancient Athens, the story follows two friends who fall in love with the same woman, leading to a complex love triangle that tests their loyalty and friendship.

  • Macbeth

    Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth follows the titular character as he is consumed by ambition and driven to murder in order to fulfill a prophecy. As Macbeth spirals into madness, he descends into a world of guilt and paranoia, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall.

  • Hamlet

    In Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, Hamlet grapples with the weight of avenging his father's murder while navigating a treacherous web of deception and betrayal. As he spirals into madness, his internal struggle between duty and morality builds to a haunting climax of tragic consequences.

  • Othello

    Shakespeare's tragic play, Othello, follows the downfall of the noble general Othello, manipulated by his deceitful ensign Iago into believing his wife Desdemona has been unfaithful. A gripping tale of jealousy, betrayal, and ultimately, the destructive power of insecurity and distrust.

  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream

    A Midsummer Night's Dream is a whimsical comedy by William Shakespeare that follows a group of lovers, fairies, and amateur actors as they navigate a magical forest on midsummer night. Filled with mistaken identities, love potions, and mischievous fairies, this enchanting play explores themes of love, fantasy, and imagination.

  • Julius Caesar

    Julius Caesar, a powerful Roman general and statesman, rises to prominence in the Republic. However, his ambition and political maneuvering soon make him a target for those who fear his growing influence. Betrayal and conspiracy loom as Caesar's fate hangs in the balance.

  • The Tempest

    The Tempest is a captivating play by William Shakespeare filled with magic, betrayal, and redemption. When Prospero, a powerful sorcerer, creates a storm to shipwreck his enemies on a remote island, he sets in motion a series of events that will test the limits of forgiveness and reconciliation.

  • King Lear

    Shakespeare's tragic masterpiece, King Lear, tells the story of an aging king who divides his kingdom among his three daughters, leading to betrayal, madness, and ultimate tragedy. Filled with themes of power, family, and loyalty, King Lear remains a timeless exploration of human nature and the consequences of pride.

  • Much Ado About Nothing

    In Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, love and deception intertwine as two couples navigate the treacherous waters of courtship. With witty banter, mistaken identities, and meddling friends, this classic comedy explores the complexities of love and the power of forgiveness.

  • Antony and Cleopatra

    Antony and Cleopatra is a tragic love story set against the backdrop of ancient Rome and Egypt. Follow the passionate affair between Roman general Mark Antony and Egyptian queen Cleopatra as their relationship is tested by political intrigue, betrayal, and the looming shadow of war.

  • Twelfth Night

    Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is a delightful comedy of mistaken identities, love triangles, and hilarious misunderstandings. Set in the enchanting world of Illyria, this timeless tale follows the adventures of Viola, who disguises herself as a man, leading to a series of comedic and romantic entanglements.

  • The Merchant of Venice

    "The Merchant of Venice" is a captivating tale of love, greed, and justice. Set in 16th century Venice, the play follows the story of a merchant who borrows money from a Jewish moneylender, leading to a complex legal battle that challenges societal norms and tests the characters' moral compass.

  • Richard III

    Shakespeare's Richard III is a gripping tale of treachery and ambition as Richard, Duke of Gloucester, plots his way to the throne of England. Through deception and manipulation, Richard rises to power, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Will his reign be marked by tyranny or redemption?

  • As You Like It

    Shakespeare's romantic comedy, As You Like It, follows the adventures of Rosalind as she flees to the Forest of Arden disguised as a man, accompanied by her cousin Celia and a motley crew of characters. Love, mistaken identities, and witty banter abound in this delightful tale of love and redemption.

  • The Taming of the Shrew

    The Taming of the Shrew is a comedic play by William Shakespeare that follows the tumultuous relationship between the feisty Katherine and the determined Petruchio. As Petruchio attempts to "tame" Katherine and win her love, chaos ensues, resulting in a hilarious and heartwarming tale of love and transformation.

  • Measure for Measure

    In Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, a strict deputy is tasked with enforcing the law in a city known for its debauchery. When he becomes entangled in a web of deceit and moral ambiguity, the boundaries between justice and mercy are tested. Will he uphold the law or succumb to temptation?

  • Henry V

    Henry V, the charismatic and ruthless young king of England, embarks on a quest to reclaim his kingdom's lost territories in France. With his army outnumbered and facing insurmountable odds, Henry must rely on his wit, courage, and leadership to secure victory and solidify his place in history.

  • The Comedy of Errors

    Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors is a hilarious tale of mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and chaotic confusion. Set in the bustling city of Ephesus, this comedic masterpiece follows the misadventures of two sets of identical twins, leading to a series of uproarious and absurd situations.

  • Titus Andronicus

    Titus Andronicus is a tragic play by William Shakespeare that follows the downfall of the Roman general Titus as he seeks revenge for the injustices inflicted upon his family. Filled with violence, betrayal, and heartbreak, this intense drama explores the consequences of unchecked vengeance.

Learning Resources

Related Pages

Related Courses

Romeo and Juliet in a Nutshell

Romeo and Juliet in a Nutshell

Explore the timeless tale of love and tragedy through a condensed and engaging curriculum. From the star-crossed lovers' first meeting to their untimely demise, participants will analyze the themes of fate, family, and feuding in Shakespeare's iconic play.

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