Studying Shakespeare is easy with CliffsNotes. Ace your tests, get homework help, and understand Shakespeare's plays and poetry with FREE CliffsNotes summaries, character analyses, glossaries, quotes, essays, filmography, and more. Read Shakespeare's biography; explore themes, symbols, and motifs; and check out our Ask Cliff Q&A. Save time with CliffsNotes.com Shakespeare Central!

Shakespeare Biography: His Life and Times

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is considered to be the greatest writer in the history of English literature. His genius produced the world's most-often produced and published plays , including Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, King Lear, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and more than 32 others.
More about the Bard of Avon

The Globe Theatre
Shakespeare: The Manga Edition

Graphically rich manga adaptations are a fun, contemporary way to enjoy classic text! Go

Shakespeare on the Double!

Read Shakespeare's original text side-by-side with a modern English translation. Go

Ask Cliff about Shakespeare

Cliff is in the know when it comes to Shakespeare!

Ask Cliff a question

How has the way people view Othello changed over time?

The meaning of Shakespeare's plays sometimes changes as the cultures they are performed for grow. Whereas loyalty, jealousy, and duty . . . More

Read All "Ask Cliff About Shakespeare" Answers