Shakespeare's Creative Periods

Shakespeare’s creative periods –
characteristics, highlights and most

renowned works
Prepared by: Yoana Kostadinova

Characteristics
William Shakespeare is considered

the greatest playwright of all time,
as well as the most influential writer
in the history of the English
language. He created hundreds of
words and phrases that English
speakers still use today. His
influence on literature is so vast that
it could be argued that every one of
his works deserves a place on this
list, but these seven plays and one
collection of poems are undoubtedly
among his most important
achievements.
„Romeo and Juliet“ (1594–1596)
Although not generally considered one

of his greatest plays, Romeo and Juliet
remains one of Shakespeare's most
popular works. This story of two star-
crossed lovers who both meet tragic
ends has been adapted countless times
for stage and screen. The universality
of the story of young people in love
trying to be together in a carefree
world has resonated with audiences
and readers around the world for
centuries.
„Much ado about nothing“(1598–1599)
Although Shakespeare's most famous

plays are his tragedies, he also wrote a
number of comedies, including this
story about a woman falsely accused of
adultery. The plot, centered on the
couple Claudio and Hero, features
humorous misunderstandings and
awkward supporting characters. Much
Ado About Nothing is also notable for
its secondary plot, in which Hero's
cousin Beatrice and her potential
romantic interest, Benedick, exchange
witty insults and express skepticism
about love throughout the play. Their
„Julius Caesar“ (1599–1600)
The majority of Shakespeare's history

plays concern events that took place
in his native England, but he
occasionally explored historical eras
in other parts of the world. The most
notable example of this is Julius
Caesar. In Shakespeare's play, Caesar,
the leader of Rome, is plotted against
and ultimately assassinated by his
former republican allies, including his
trusted friend Brutus. The play is
famous for Mark Antony's speech,
which begins "Friends, Romans,
countrymen, lend me your ears." The
„Hamlet“ (1599–1601)
Hamlet is perhaps the greatest play

ever written. In it, Hamlet, Prince
of Denmark, struggles with his
father's recent death and his
mother's marriage to Claudius, his
father's brother and heir. It is later
revealed that Claudius killed
Hamlet's father. A visit from his
father's ghost prompts Hamlet to
seek revenge. One of the most
remarkable aspects of the play is
Hamlet's monologues, which
beautifully express the character's
„King Lear“ (1605–06)
The play begins with King Lear's decision to

divide his kingdom among his three daughters
in proportion to their love for him. He
disinherits Cordelia, the daughter who
actually loves him but refuses to flatter him
falsely. His other two daughters, the deceitful
Gonerilla and Regan, take over his kingdom.
They then turn on Lear and cast him out. Lear
descends into madness, but eventually
reconciles with Cordelia, who is later hanged
before Lear himself dies. King Lear is one of
Shakespeare's most pessimistic works.
However, hope can be found in the character
of Cordelia, who exhibits enduring moral
strength in the face of injustice.
„Macbeth“ (1606-07)
Along with Hamlet and King Lear, Macbeth

is the third of Shakespeare's greatest
tragedies. It is the story of a Scottish
nobleman who, following the prophecy of
three witches, becomes the ruler of his
country after killing Duncan, the reigning
king. Macbeth continues to kill potential
political rivals. The guilt drives his wife,
Lady Macbeth, mad. Macbeth is eventually
killed as a result of his political ambitions.
The tragic presentation of Macbeth's
downward spiral and the iconic depiction of
Lady Macbeth's descent into madness make
„Sonnets“ (1609)
Written in 1590, when Shakespeare's
theatrical career was interrupted by a
plague epidemic, the cycle of sonnets was
finally published in 1609. It is likely that
the autobiographical sonnets were
divided into two parts. The first and much
larger group of sonnets is addressed to an
unnamed "Honest Youth," a male friend
of the poet. The second set focuses on
The Dark Lady. As a narrative, the sonnet
sequence tells of strong attachment, of
jealousy, of grief at separation, and of joy
at being together and sharing beautiful
experiences. The Sonnets of the Dark
„The Tempest“ (1611)
The plot of The Tempest centers on Prospero, a

magician and former Duke of Milan, and his
daughter Miranda. The two are stranded on a
deserted island after Prospero is usurped from
his dukedom by his brother Antonio. Prospero
uses his magic to create a storm that stranded a
group of people, including Antonio, on the
island. Among this group is Ferdinand, who
falls in love with Miranda and helps precipitate
the actions that lead to a reconciliation between
the main characters. Although not
Shakespeare's last play, The Tempest seems to
be his farewell to the theater. It contains
stirring passages of reflection on what his
Sources
https://www-britannica-
com.translate.goog/summary/
William-Shakespeares-
Important-Works?
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Shakespeare’s creative periods –

characteristics, highlights and most

Prepared by: Yoana Kostadinova

William Shakespeare is considered

Although not generally considered one

Although Shakespeare's most famous

The majority of Shakespeare's history

Hamlet is perhaps the greatest play

The play begins with King Lear's decision to

Along with Hamlet and King Lear, Macbeth

The plot of The Tempest centers on Prospero, a

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