William Shakespeare was an English poet and is known as the greatest writer of the English language. His writing consists of many plays, sonnets and narrative poems. He is widely known for his two most famous tragedies "Romeo and Juliet and "Macbeth." "Romeo and Juliet," being about two young star cross'd lovers whose feuding families cause the death of themselves and "Macbeth being about a couple whose ambitious gets the best of them and leads them to their own destruction. Shakespeare is also known for writing comedies such as his widely known romantic comedy "Much Ado About Nothing," which is about two very different couples that have to overcome their differences in order to be together. Many of his works have been turned into movies and plays. He has been an inspiration to many writers and continues to have a strong influence in today's world. To give a background on Shakespeare's life, he was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and baptized there on April 1564. Much of his early life still to this day remains unknown, including the date in which he was born and his education. However many people agree that he was probably educated at the King's New School a quarter-mile from his home. At the age of 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, with whom he had three children (Academy of American Poets). Shakespeare's career began in London where he was an actor and writer and was partly owner of a company. This is how he began his career as a writer and it is believed that working as such was how he was inspired to write his plays. He wrote some of his plays while working hard in London. After a couple years, he became widely known for his works, including his plays (commshakes). Shakespeare's plays have had a great influence on how writers write plays today. Shakespeare used emotion real well to capture the reader's attention. Some of his most famous works have consisted of tragedy, comedy, and historical plays. One of his most famous tragedies to this day is "Romeo and Juliet." "Romeo and Juliet" is known as a romantic tragedy between two young lovers whose forbidden love leads to their ultimate death. There are many themes used in the play, including young love. "Romeo and Juliet's" major theme in the play is considered to be young love. In the beginning of the play Romeo is heartbroken because he is deeply in love with Rosaline but is rejected by her and he believes that he will never fall in love again. Although his feelings change when he sees Juliet for the first time. He completely forgets about Rosaline and falls in love with Juliet at first sight. Not knowing anything about one another, Romeo and Juliet soon fall in love that same night. After having discovered their families are sworn enemies Romeo and Juliet still wish to be together despite their opposing families. Shakespeare is able to show their undying love for one another, as they are able to overcome all the problems that come with their love. Even though Juliet is threatened by her own father of disowning her, Juliet finds a way to be with Romeo. The fact that she is willing to fake her own death at the cost of being with Romeo showed the love she felt for him. Romeo also makes sacrifices for Juliet starting with the hatred of her family he has to overcome. At the beginning of the play, Romeo is rivals with Juliet's cousin Tybalt, but decides to stay at peace with him because he is Juliet's cousin. Here it can be seen that despite of their previous hatred for one another, Romeo is able to overcome their differences for the love that he feels towards Juliet. However after Tybalt kills one of Romeos closest friend, Mercutio, Romeo is forced to kill him. However, if Tybalt hadn't been quick to kill, peace would have come from Romeos side (Shmoop Editorial Team). Juliet's sincere love for Romeo is proven throughout the play in many different ways. For starters, the love she feels towards Romeo is dramatic, since he is her first love. Another thing that makes her desire Romeo more is the existence of Paris. Paris is a wealthy man who is in love with Juliet and wishes to make her his wife. Juliet's parents warn Juliet that she must marry Paris or she will be disowned. At this point Juliet realizes that marriage is simply a duty that one must perform. Marriage is based on what ones parents want instead of what the individual wants. The fact that she is forced into marrying Paris makes Juliet love Romeo with more intensity. The character Juliet wishes to marry whom she wants not who her parents want her to marry. Whereas Romeo, before having loved Juliet, was in love with Rosaline. In a way this makes his feelings of love more dramatic. Although Juliet was not Romeos first love, the love he felt for both women differ greatly. Having been rejected by Rosaline allows Romeo to realize that his love for Juliet is more sincere and in a way more special because of the fact that the love is mutual. Perhaps, the love Romeo felt for Rosalin