Question

Renaissance was a period of intellectual activity. In this context, write a short note on William Shakespeare

Answer 1

William Shakespeare: He was an English poet, playwright, and actor, who is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England’s national poet and the ‘Bard of Avon’. He wrote 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses. With the exception of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s first plays were mostly historical dramas like Richard II, Henry VI, and Henry V. He also wrote several comedies during his early period: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing. As You Like It and Twelfth Night. It was only after 1600, that he wrote tragedies like Hamlet, King Lear, Othello, and Macbeth. Shakespeare’s work transcends culture and history. He appeals to emotions and thoughts that are a part of eternal human nature and therefore, have a universal appeal.