THE SEVEN AGES OF MAN
William Shakespeare was an English playwright
and poet who is widely considered to be the
greatest dramatist of all time. Also known as
the "Bard of Avon," Shakespeare's plays and
poems are known throughout the world, but his
personal life is shrouded in mystery.
Who Was William Shakespeare?
William Shakespeare (baptized on April 26,
1564 to April 23, 1616) was an English
playwright, actor and poet and is often called
England’s national poet. Born in Stratford-
upon-Avon, England, he was an important
member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men
company of theatrical players from roughly
1594 onward.
Written records give little indication of the way
in which Shakespeare’s professional life molded
his artistry. All that can be deduced is that, in
his 20 years as a playwright, Shakespeare
wrote plays that capture the complete range of
human emotion and conflict.
Known throughout the world, the works of
William Shakespeare have been performed in
countless hamlets, villages, cities and
metropolises for more than 400 years. And yet,
the personal history of William Shakespeare is
somewhat a mystery.
There are two primary sources that provide
historians with a basic outline of his life. One
source is his work — the plays, poems and
sonnets — and the other is official
documentation such as church and court
records. However, these only provide brief
sketches of specific events in his life and
provide little on the person who experienced
those events.
Biography
 (186https://www.biography.com/writer/willia
m-shakespeare
 (1914–
William Shakespeare
All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women are merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms;
And then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress’ eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon’s mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.