ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -William Shakespeare (baptised 26 April 1564 died 23 April 1616) was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. [1] He is often called England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon” (or simply “The Bard").

Detailed explanation-2: -This is because he seems to have been given the title in recognition of his stature as ‘great poet’ and the unofficial national poet of England. It was only as the twentieth century advanced that he became inextricably identified with that title.

Detailed explanation-3: -William Shakespeare: so called from his birthplace, Stratford-on-Avon.

Detailed explanation-4: -Between about 1590 and 1613, Shakespeare wrote at least 37 plays and collaborated on several more. His 17 comedies include The Merchant of Venice and Much Ado About Nothing. Among his 10 history plays are Henry V and Richard III. The most famous among his tragedies are Hamlet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth.