It is very
easy to see William Shakespeare as simply a great playwright and a genius
in his use of the English language. He was both of these but all the time
he remained a clever and haed-headed businessman, committed to making money
for himself and his family.
William Shakespeare was a man of
trade, too-his craft was words, his skill lay in the new world of the London
theatre. But like his father, he seemed to have used his wealth in a variety
of ways. On of the things that made William determined to be successful
was quite possibly a wish to restore the good name of the Shakespeare family
in Stratford since his father's decline in fortune.
On 23 April 1616 William Shakespearedied
at home in Stratford. He was exactly 52 years old.
William Shakespeare was buried
in the parish church in Stratford. There is still a monument to him there
with its famous inscsription:
'Reader, for Jesus' Sake
forbear
To dig the dust enclosed
here:
Blessed be he
that spares these Stones.
And cursed
be he
that moves my bones.'