SAT/sphere SAT Blog
Who Was William Shakespeare? A Comprehensive Guide to the Bard’s Life, Works, and Cultural Legacy
Master the themes and linguistic influence of the world’s greatest playwright for better SAT scores.
William Shakespeare, known as "The Bard," shaped the English language and literature in ways that still define modern education. This guide explores his biography, the history of the Globe Theatre, and his mastery across tragedies, comedies, and histories. For students, understanding Shakespeare is a vital step in developing the analytical skills and vocabulary required for top-tier SAT performance.
August 3, 2024
August 3, 2024
Test Your SAT Knowledge
What is William Shakespeare best known for?
These answers cover the main questions connected to this SAT topic, so you can review the key points quickly. They also give you a faster way to revisit the practical takeaways without rereading the full article.
William Shakespeare was a 16th-century English playwright and poet widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in literature. He is called 'The Bard' because his works became foundational to the English literary canon, and his plays and poetry have remained influential for over 400 years.
Continue Reading
Shakespeare authored 39 plays and 154 sonnets, along with several narrative poems. His works are categorized into three main genres: tragedies, comedies, and histories.
Shakespeare coined or popularized over 1,700 words still used today, including 'bedazzled,' 'swagger,' 'cold-blooded,' and 'lonely.' Many common phrases like 'break the ice,' 'wild-goose chase,' and 'heart of gold' also originated from his works.
The Globe Theatre was a circular, open-air venue built in 1599 on the banks of the Thames River in London. It could hold up to 3,000 spectators and served as the primary location where many of Shakespeare's plays were first performed, making his works accessible to diverse audiences.
Effective approaches include reading modern English translations alongside the original text, watching film adaptations or live performances, and engaging with contemporary retellings such as '10 Things I Hate About You,' which reimagines 'The Taming of the Shrew' in a modern setting.
Shakespeare's major tragedies include 'Hamlet,' 'Macbeth,' and 'Othello.' These plays explore dark themes like ambition, jealousy, and revenge, typically featuring tragic heroes whose flaws lead to their downfall.
