As the greatest English and poet and dramatist, he has left us a great wealth of 154 sonnets, 37 plays, including 14 comedies, 12 tragedies, and 11 historical plays, as well as two long poems. But for such a great writer, we have very little definite knowledge about his life. Most of the information about him is largely guesswork.
1), The First Period (1590—1594)—- The Experimental Period
This is a period of experimentation. It is marked by imitation of exciting plays, by the spirit of youthfulness and rich imagination, by exaggerated language and by the frequent use of rhymed couplets. King Henry VI / Two Gentlemen of Verona / Love’s labour Lost
2), The Second Period (1595—1600) —The Period of Rapid Growth and Development
This is a period marked by more careful and artistic work, better plot, and a marked increase in the knowledge of human nature. Romeo and Juliet / The Merchant of Venice / Julius Caesar
3), The Third Period (1601—1608) — The Period of Gloom and Depression (or Tragedies)
During this period, Shakespeare’s belief and trust in mankind had been shattered. The world no longer seemed to be ruled by a just fate avenging crimes, but a putrid prison ruled by stupidity coupled with malevolence. “The time is out of joint:— O cursed spite, that ever I was born to set it right. 4 great tragedies: Hamlet / Othello / King Lear / Macbeth
4), The Forth Period (1609—1612)—- The Period of Restored Serenity
It is a period of calm after storm. It had neither the lightness of the beginning nor the somber violence of the middle period of his career. It had a spirit of serenity, and optimism. He again turned to comedies. The Winter’s Tale / The Tempest
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Tags: career, Shakespeare