William Shakespeare’s Othello Essay Example for Free

William Shakespeare’s Othello Essay William Shakespeare is a talented dramatist, actor and poet whose popularity remains unsurpassed until today.   Until now his plays are still being performed not only in Western countries but also in Asia and in other non-English speaking countries as well.   (â€Å"William Shakespeare 14)   Indeed he is recognized as one of the greatest dramatist of all time. William Shakespeare’s birth place is the town of Stratford-upon-Avon.   His exact date of birth is not accurately known since there are no existing records.   However, based on his baptismal record which is on April 26, 1564 appearing in the parish register of Holy Trinity Church, his birth date could probably be April 23, 1564.    This is because the baptism of children during William Shakespeare’s time happens just two or three days after birth. (Amanda Mabillard 4) The names of his parents are John Shakespeare, a prominent glove maker, and Mary Arden, the daughter of a wealthy landowner.   He is the third among the children of eight.   He started his education at the age of six (6) at the Stratford grammar school.   Latin is the primary language that school uses which is why he learned a great deal about Latin and the works of Latin authors.   (David Ross 2) His wife’s name is Anne Hathaway whom he married at the age of 18.   She is 26 years of age at the time and pregnant fueling speculation that the marriage may have been forced. Nevertheless, William Shakespeare had three children with her whose names are Susanna, Hamnet and Judith who are twins. (Folger Shakespeare Library 1) He eventually decides to leave Stratford and his family to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor.   Not much is known from him for several years until in 1592 where he attains sufficient success as an actor.   However, his rise to fame started because of his poems such as Venus and Adonius (1593), and Rape of Lucrece (1594).   Two years after, he gains recognition for his plays. It must however be stressed that Shakespeare’s fortune came not from acting or from writing poetry or plays.   Shakespeare’s fortune came from his investment in a theatrical company.   After he earns enough money, Shakespeare uses his earnings to invest in a theatrical company known as Lord Chamberlain’s men where he not only acts but also writes plays for the company. Shakespeare dies of a fever on April 23, 1616, the same month and day he is believed to have been born.   (Encarta MSN 1) He leaves to his two daughters Susana and Judith, the bulk of his estate and 300 pounds, respectively.   He gives his wife their â€Å"second-best bed with the furniture.† (Encarta MSN 1)