Page 21 - DENG203_ELECTIVE_ENGLISH_IV

Elective English—IV

Notes Explain the William Shakespeare’s major works
Understand ‘The Seven Ages of Man’
Analyse ‘The Seven Ages of Man’

Introduction

William Shakespeare’s birthday is assumed from his baptism on 23rd April, 1564. Born to John
Shakespeare and Mary Arden, William Shakespeare is often called England’s national poet.
Popularly known as the “Bard of Avon” Shakespeare was a very renowned English
poet and playwright. An affair with Anne Hathaway who was eight years elder to him, led to
pregnancy and a quick marriage in 1582. William’s eldest daughter, Susanna was born in May of
1583, and his twins Hamnet and Judith in January of 1585.
The Seven Ages of Man describes the seven phases in the life of a human being – from childhood
to old age and finally death. In this poem, Shakespeare states that the world is nothing but a
global stage and all men and women existing in this world are nothing but mere puppets in the
hands of destiny.
In this unit we will study about William Shakespeare and the poem ‘The Seven Ages of Man’.

2.1 About William Shakespeare

Figure 2.1: William Shakespeare

Source: http://www.hdwallpapers3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/William-Shakespeare-
194895-1-402.jpg
Born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-on-Avon in England to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden,
William Shakespeare was a very renowned English poet and playwright. Often called
England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon”, Shakespeare was considered to be the greatest
writer in the English language and the world’s most distinguished dramatist. His extant
masterworks including several collaborations, include around 154 sonnets, 38 plays, two
long narrative poems, and a few other verses. Shakespeare’s plays have been translated into
several major living languages. His plays are performed more often than those of any other
playwright.

2.1.1 Early Life

William Shakespeare’s birth records don’t exist but church records show that he was baptised at
Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 26, 1564. It is thus believed William was
born on or near April 23, 1564. Scholars from across the world acknowledge this date as William
Shakespeare’s birthdate.

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