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What type of literature did William Shakespeare write?

William Shakespeare is most famous for his plays. He is considered to be one of the greatest playwrights in the English language. Shakespeare wrote dozens of plays during his career which can be divided into four main genres.

• Comedies

Comedies are lighthearted plays that typically end with a happy resolution. Shakespeare's comedies are well known for their humor, wit, and clever wordplay. Some of Shakespeare's most famous comedies include "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "The Taming of the Shrew," and "Twelfth Night."

• Histories

Histories are plays that dramatize historical events. Shakespeare's history plays cover a wide range of English history, from the reign of King John to the reign of Henry VIII. Some of Shakespeare's most famous history plays include "Richard III," "Henry V," and "The Life and Death of King Lear."

• Tragedies

Tragedies are serious plays that typically end in disaster. Shakespeare's tragedies are often dark and violent, exploring themes of love, loss, and betrayal. Some of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies include "Hamlet," "Othello," and "Macbeth."

• Problem plays

Problem plays are plays that do not fit neatly into any of the other three categories. They are typically serious in tone, but they do not always end in disaster. Shakespeare's problem plays include "Measure for Measure," "Troilus and Cressida," and "All's Well That Ends Well."

In addition to his plays, Shakespeare also wrote a number of sonnets and other poems. His sonnets are some of the most famous and widely read poems in the English language. Shakespeare's poems are typically lyrical and introspective, exploring themes of love, beauty, and mortality.

Literature

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