William Shakespeare: The playwright who shaped the course of literature and theater.
Did you know that William Shakespeare, considered one of the greatest writers of all time, transformed theater and literature with his powerful tragedies, comedies and historical dramas? His plays, which have been performed for centuries, continue to inspire and thrill audiences around the world, making him a seminal figure in Western culture.
In this module, you will explore the life of William Shakespeare, his historical context in Elizabethan-era England, and how his literary work reflected the social, political, and cultural changes of his time. You will learn about the characteristics of the genres he mastered, such as tragedy, comedy and historical drama, and how his texts continue to influence modern literature. You will also learn about Elizabethan society, the Renaissance in England and Europe, and how Shakespeare’s works were adapted for the screen in film. In addition, you will discover Shakespeare’s poetry, whose sonnets remain a benchmark of lyric poetry.
Character Curiosities
- ✍️ Shakespeare is believed to have written more than 38 plays and 154 sonnets.
- 🎭 The theater company in which he worked, known as “The King’s Men,” was one of the most important of its time.
- 🌍 His plays not only reflect the society of his time, but also explore universal themes such as love, power, ambition and revenge, which are still relevant today.
