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William Shakespeare, born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, is often hailed as the greatest playwright and poet in the English language. Shakespeare's extensive body of work includes 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems, which have had a profound influence on English literature and the arts. His plays, divided into comedies, tragedies, and histories, explore themes of love, power, jealousy, betrayal, and the supernatural, showcasing his unparalleled understanding of human nature and emotion. Notable works include Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Shakespeare's genius lies in his storytelling and his innovation of the English language, having contributed thousands of words and phrases still in use today. He died on April 23, 1616, but his works continue to be celebrated worldwide for their enduring relevance and insight into the human condition.