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What did Shakespeare do when he was young?

There is limited information available about William Shakespeare's early life, including his activities during his youth. Here's what is generally known about his early years:

1. Birth and Family Background: William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He was the third child of John Shakespeare, a successful businessman, and Mary Arden, a daughter of a local landowner.

2. Education: The extent of Shakespeare's formal education is not fully known. He likely attended the King's New School in Stratford, where he would have received basic grammar-level education, including reading, writing, and arithmetic.

3. Marriage: At the age of 18, William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was already pregnant with their first child, Susanna. The couple eventually had three children together: Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith.

4. Early Career: There is a gap in Shakespeare's biography between 1585 and 1592, known as the "lost years." During this time, there is uncertainty about his activities. Some believe he might have worked as an apprentice, possibly in a printing house, or even as an actor in traveling theater companies.

5. Theatre Involvement: Shakespeare's career in the theater likely began in the early 1590s. He may have started as an actor and gradually moved into writing and producing plays.

6. Move to London: Sometime in the late 1580s or early 1590s, Shakespeare left Stratford for London, which was the center of theater and culture in England at that time.

7. Success in Theatre: Shakespeare's talent as a playwright quickly gained recognition in London. He became associated with the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a prominent acting company that later came to be known as the King's Men. Over time, he wrote numerous acclaimed plays, including comedies, tragedies, and histories.

It is important to note that much of the information about Shakespeare's early life and experiences comes from legends and fragmentary evidence. While some details are known, there are still gaps and uncertainties in his biography, particularly regarding his youth and the early stages of his career.

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