Later Years and Death
Shakespeare’s later years are somewhat shrouded in mystery, and much of his personal life remains unknown. It is believed that he retired to Stratford-upon-Avon in around 1613, after the completion of his final plays, including The Tempest (1611) and Henry VIII (1613). During his retirement, Shakespeare continued to manage his property and act as a shareholder in his theatre company.
Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, in Stratford-upon-Avon, the same day as his 52nd birthday, though it is uncertain if his death and birthday coincide by design or coincidence. He was buried in Holy Trinity Church, where his grave bears an epitaph famously warning against moving his remains.
William Shakespeare’s some favorite quote
Here are some of William Shakespeare’s most famous and insightful quotes:
“To be, or not to be, that is the question.”
– Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1
(A profound reflection on life and death.)
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”
– As You Like It, Act 2, Scene 7
(A metaphor for life’s fleeting nature and human roles in it.)
“The better part of Valour, is Discretion.”
– Henry IV, Part 1, Act 5, Scene 4
(A reflection on courage and the wisdom of knowing when to act and when to retreat.)
“This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
– Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 3
(An exhortation to maintain integrity and authenticity in life.)
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.”
– The Tempest, Act 4, Scene 1
(A reflection on the fleeting, dreamlike nature of life.)
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.”
– A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 1, Scene 1
(A take on the irrational and subjective nature of love.)
“Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.”
– Julius Caesar, Act 2, Scene 2
(A statement on fear, bravery, and facing one’s destiny.)
“The course of true love never did run smooth.”
– A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 1, Scene 1
(An acknowledgment of the challenges and obstacles love often faces.)
“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
– Twelfth Night, Act 2, Scene 5
(A reflection on how individuals come into power or greatness in different ways.)
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
– Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2
(A famous quote about the power of identity and love, beyond labels and social constructs.)
