William Shakespeare is significant to the Renaissance and modern history because his work changed the face of drama and writing forever. He was a living legend, known for being a gifted writer in his own time. Modern authors are often compared to Shakespeare. He set an example for us. Students study his work in school. Many of his plays have been made into popular movies, such as the recent "William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet" staring Leonardo Dicaprio and Claire Danes. Shakespeare's life can be viewed differently be each individual person just like his beautiful plays, poems, and sonnets.
             William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564. His father was John Shakespeare. John Shakespeare was an alderman and a bailiff. His mother was Mary Andea of Wilcote. She came from a highly respected ancient family. However, who Shakespeare's parents were was not near as significant to him as where he was born. William Shakespeare was born and lived in Stratford-Upon-Avon ("William Shakespeare").
             When it came to plays, Stratford was the perfect place for young William Shakespeare to grow up. Stratford was famous for it's live performances. John Shakespeare was fond of the plays. One particular play that greatly impressed the young boy was when his father took him to see a performance at the castle of Kenilworth. (There were no peremant theaters at this time.) At this show, there were many water devices, like dolphins and mermaids. These devices made a mark on the imagination of this future poet. Many people believe that these water devices inspired several lines from "A Midsummer's Night's Dream" (Chute An Introduction to Shakespeare 67).
             Shakespeare was part of an exciting change in the theater. Before the Renaissance, there were still plays. However, these plays are quite different from the Shakespearean plays that we think of. The church was the one that had most of the plays. The chu
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