Who was William Shakespeare?
- Birth: April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England
- Death: April 23, 1616, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England
- Occupation: Playwright, poet, actor
- Notable Works: "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," "Macbeth," "The Tempest," "Sonnets"
Contributions and Impact:
- William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language and the world's preeminent dramatist.
- His plays have been translated into more than 100 languages and are performed more frequently than those of any other playwright.
- Shakespeare's plays explore universal themes such as love, loss, betrayal, ambition, and the human condition.
- He is known for his mastery of language, with an extensive vocabulary, unique use of metaphors and imagery, and innovative wordplay.
- Many of Shakespeare's phrases and quotes have become part of common language and popular culture.
Geoffrey Chaucer
Who was Geoffrey Chaucer?
- Birth: Around 1343, in London, England
- Death: October 25, 1400, in London, England
- Occupation: Poet
- Notable Work: "The Canterbury Tales"
Contributions and Impact:
- Geoffrey Chaucer is regarded as the father of English literature.
- His masterpiece, "The Canterbury Tales," is a collection of 24 stories told by a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral.
- Chaucer's writings display his keen observations of human nature and society.
- He skillfully uses humor, satire, and irony to comment on contemporary issues, religious practices, and social classes.
- Chaucer's poetic style, particularly his use of iambic pentameter, greatly influenced the development of the English literary tradition.
- He helped to establish English as a literary language and standardize its use in poetry.