Yet there are even problems with the De Vere theory. De Vere died in 1604, yet many Stratfordian scholars date many of the plays to be as late as 1613. However, it is important to point out that no matter who the true author is, the plays will still have the same affect on the lives of those who read them. Despite the authorship "the artistic problem would remain untouched, because that drama remains always the same; Lear laments and imprecates in the same manner, Othello struggles furiously, Hamlet meditates and wavers before the problem of humanity, and the action that he is called upon to take; and in the same manner, all are enwrapped in the veil of Eternity" (Krull 32).
Only a few surviving documents give any glimpse into the life of Shakespeare. While there are historical records that prove he was an actual person during this time period, only a few other documents provide any information about the writer's life. He was born in April 1564 in the market town of Stratford-upon-Avon and died in April 1616. He attended the King's New School, which was known for its academic success. This school was one of the English grammar schools established to educate young men in Latin grammar and literature. Shakespeare began his studies at the age of five in "petty school", where he was taught how to read and write in English. After two years of the petty school, he began the serious study of Latin (Mowat 32). .
After his formal schooling ended, his professional life in London began. At the age of eighteen, he was married to Anne Hathaway. A few years later in 1583, Shakespeare's daughter Susanna was born followed by the births of twins Hamnet .
and Judith in 1585. By 1592 he had achieved some prominence in London as an actor and a playwright. During the 1590's, he wrote his plays on English history as well as several comedies and two tragedies. Many of his sonnets were also written at this time.
