The Unlikely Buddha

William Shakespeare (1564–1616), often called the "Bard of Avon," was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. His works have transcended time, captivating audiences for over four centuries. Let’s explore his life, the era in which he lived, and fascinating details about his theatre company. Early Life and Family   Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April 1564 and was baptized on April 26. While his exact birth date is unknown, it is traditionally celebrated on April 23. He was the third of eight children born to John Shakespeare, a glove maker and local official, and Mary Arden, who came from a wealthy family.   At the age of 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was eight years his senior. Together they had three children: Susanna (born in 1583) and twins Hamnet and Judith (born in 1585). Tragically, Hamnet died at the age of 11.   The Elizabethan and Jacobean Eras...

"Measure for Measure," a play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1603 and 1604, presents a complex and unsettling exploration of justice, morality, and the abuse of power. As scholar Stephen Greenblatt notes, the play "inhabits the treacherous borderland between comedy and tragedy." Its first recorded performance occurred on December 26, 1604, during the Christmas festivities of King James I. Historical and Dramatic Context The play unfolds in Vienna, where Duke Vincentio, facing a moral decline within his city, delegates his authority to the seemingly virtuous and austere Angelo. As he explains in Act I, Scene 3: "Lord Angelo shall execute justice / We have strict statutes and most biting laws." The Duke, however, secretly remains in Vienna disguised as a friar, allowing him to observe the effects of Angelo's rule firsthand. Angelo, empowered by his newfound authority, begins to enforce the law with an iron fist, ...