In an attempt to give tribute to a historic figure, today we highlight thee most brilliant, literary genius of th’ English tongue. On the day aft’r tom’rrow we celebrate his day of christening and mark the 450th anniv’rsary whence he came to this world. 

William Shakespeare, born around April 26, 1564, is arguably the most influential writer of all English literature. He is credited with inventing around 1,700 words, writing over 35 plays, 154 sonnets, multiple narrative poems and becoming the most performed playwright of all time. 

Shakespeare began his career as an unknown playwright and grew to become one of the most acclaimed writers in English literature. 

Best known for his playwright genius, Shakespeare’s name has endured the test of time and is still extremely prevalent in academia across the world.

While most authors are placed within a canonical time frame, Shakespeare is, more often than not, given his own canon in literary studies. His influence across all fields of study is unparalleled.

His plays have allowed audiences, readers and learners to create and imagine so many possibilities when reading a text — his words have come to life through the eyes of readers and are filled with not only Shakespeare’s ideas, but the ideas of those experiencing the text as well. 

His plays and poetry are filled with love, vengeance, politics and war — themes and situations that are still wildly relevant in today’s world. Though some modern audiences believe his works are difficult to read, once readers immerse themselves in the language, they begin to pick up on all the nuances that make his writing so memorable. His works and themes are so resilient they’ve inspired a multitude of modern day adaptations — think “10 Things I Hate About You” or “She’s the Man.” He also created wonderfully relatable characters and gave female characters an agency and autonomy that was far beyond his time.  

Shakespeare’s words stir the very soul of every audience member, and his plays are layered with meaning atop meaning. This multiplicity of language speaks to the remarkable nature of every play he wrote and of the mesmerizing wonder that captivates audiences century after century. 

When laboring over papers and assignments these last few weeks, remind yourself to give Shakespeare a pat on the back — without him you probably wouldn’t have many of the words you used to write them. 

As we head into finals season, graduation and the dreaded real world, remember the words of the great William Shakespeare: “Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”