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According to Quennell: "A conclusive history of Shakespeare's life is lacking; much hypothesis surrounds relatively few facts". Born at Stratford-upon-Avon, in Warwickshire, April 23, 1564, he led a relatively comfortable life. His father was a a prominent man in Stratford. By 1560, he was one of fourteen burgesses which formed the town council.The eldest son of eight children, William received education at the local grammar school and an apprenteship at a butcher shop. Shakespeare, however, never attended a university. On November 28, 1582 Anne Hathaway married Shakespeare. At the time, she
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The theme of betrayal comes out firstly through the murder of Hamlet Sr. Ophelia embodies the flaw of obiedence, but deeper than that, of dependence. Hamlet's language shifts dramtically into that typical of a tragedy. It is a turning point of the plot, for Hamlet now knows conclusively that the ghost has spoken the truth, forcing him to finally act decisively. The aura of tragedy
is present from the beginning to the end of the play; the only slight respite in
the dark mood comes in the Gravediggers' scene, but even the comedy of
this scene is morbid. During these fourteen years, he furnished
his acting company with approximately two plays annually. Hamlet is so consumed with revenge that he cannot see that his feigned madness is causing Ophelia to truly go insane. In instances where necessity demands comic relief, black humor is used, such as in the gravedigging scene. The fictional drama being presented before the King is a parallel to the past reality of the King and will serve to shape his future. Ophelia's willingness to spy on a person she truly loves depicts her true nature and her innate devotion toward her father. Seven months later, she gave birth to Susanna, and later to twins Hamnet and Judith. The imagery of disease, corruption, and decay contributes to the mood of darkness and evil.
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