THE 34 MAIN WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE - GEOGRAFÍA - 2025

Today I come with a list of the most important works of William Shakespeare: tragedies, comedies and dramas. Considered the greatest Anglo-Saxon writer in history, he was born in England in the seventeenth century and his activity was limited to the theatrical genre and poetry.

To this day, he is the playwright with the largest number of adapted works in all of history. His books have been read all over the world and he is probably one of the best known authors internationally.

With a division between tragedies, comedies and historical novels, I will discover you from a brief review of each of his works.

Tragedies

Antony and Cleopatra

Written in five acts, Antony and Cleopatra tells the love story tragedy between the famous pharaoh and the Roman military man.

It was represented for the first time in 1607.

Coriolanus

This tragedy is based on the life of the Roman leader who gives the work its name. Of how he was exiled from Rome and leads an assault against the same city.

Coroliano is one of the last works of Shakespeare.

The Lear King

Based on Geoffrey of Monmouth's 1135 Historia Regum Britanniae, this drama will tell you about ingratitude and filial contempt and old age and madness.

Hamlet

Shakespeare's longest play. Tragedy that tells how the prince of Denmark takes revenge on his uncle Claudio after assassinating the king.

The topics that are investigated are incest, betrayal or death.

There are some who say that this is the most filmed story in history after "Cinderella."

Julius Caesar

In Julia César you will learn how the conspiracy that ended the life of Julius Caesar was formed. The death of this, and the subsequent effects are also represented.

Also, Julius Caesar is not the center of the action, as he only appears in three scenes. The real protagonist will be Marco Junio ​​Bruto.

Macbeth

Shorter tragedy of William Shakespeare. It is divided into five acts and focuses on Macbeth, Lord of Glamis.

The story tells how he seeks to anticipate his own destiny, selling his soul to some witches.

Othello

Writing that stands out for its controversial issues. Among them, we see how racism or jealousy is talked about.

Its main protagonists are four: Othello, his wife Desdemona, Yago and Ludovico.

Romeo and Juliet

Probably the most famous work of the English author. It is a story between two young people who, because their families are at odds, live in love in secret.

The historical setting is the Italian Renaissance, specifically in the city of Verona.

Titus Andronicus

One of the darkest and deepest tragedies of the English author. In it, the facts of the history of Titus Andronicus are told, a general of the Roman army in the years of decline of the Empire.

Troilus and Cressida

Published in two separate editions. The context focuses on the Trojan War, and where we can see some touches of comedy.

If you manage to get to the end of the play, you will know why it is called an "unconventional" tragedy.

Comedies

To a good end there is no bad beginning

Work that takes place in Paris, Florence and the county of Roussillon, where two great themes are covered: love and power.

On the other hand, the action is based on the characters of Elena and Beltrán.

Cymbaline

One of the last theaters written by Shakespeare. In it, the story of Cymbelline, King of Great Britain, is told.

The main theme of the play is honor.

As you like

Oliverio must take care of his little brother after the death of his father. The problem is that Oliverio doesn't want it.

This will trigger a series of events that will end with a series of betrayals and romances between aristocrats.

The merchant of Venice

Work that evokes different exotic atmospheres and that mixes several plot lines to give it dynamism.

It is estimated that it was written around 1596.

The dream of a nigth of summer

Here, Shakespeare recounts the adventures of 4 young lovers alongside a group of novice actors. These will interact throughout the work with Theseus and Hippolytka and even different magical fairies that they meet along the way.

The comedy of mistakes

Story of a shipwreck and the separation of a family. Egeon is isolated with one of his sons and a servant. On the other hand, his wife, Emilia, will end up in Ephesus.

The Taming of the Shrew

Established as Shakespare's fifth most performed play, it tells the story of Caralina Minola, a woman in search of the right suitor. Petruchio's arrival in the city will change things.

The Merry Wives of Windsor

William Shakespeare tells the story of John Falstaff, a poor man who comes to Windsor to find his life.

The Tempest

Story of the revenge of Prospero, legitimate Duke of Milan after being banished and shipwrecked, ending up on a desert island.

In this work real events are mixed with mystical and magical elements.

The two noblemen of Verona

In The Two Hidalgos of Verona the themes of friendship and love are dealt with. The plot revolves around two friends who are confronted by Silvia, the daughter of the Duke of Milan.

Measure for measure

Measure for Measure is based on George Whetstone's Promos and Cassandra. The story centers on the story of Isabella, a novice who sees her brother being sentenced to death.

Much ado About Nothing

Romantic comedy, where the female figure is altered, receiving a contemptuous and insensitive treatment by the author. This has led it to be, to say the least, controversial.

King's Night

Also known under the title of The Twelfth Night, this comedy is divided into five acts.

The play was originally conceived to be represented and to be part of the celebration of the kings in Renaissance England.

Helm of Athens

This comedy stands out for showing a totally unusual structure. It is not complete, as it is full of inaccuracies and gaps.

In addition, it has always been the subject of debate, since experts do not agree when it comes to placing it in comedy or tragedy.

Works of lost loves

History of Fernando, King of Navarre and three of his knights who decide to go on a spiritual retreat to achieve maximum wisdom.

Labour's Lost is one of the earliest works by William Shakespeare.

Historical drama

King john

Dramatization of the life of John I of England, who began his reign at the end of the 12th century.

Richard II

First part of a saga followed by Henry IV and Henry V. The story focuses on the life of Rircard II of England, who ruled from 1377 to 1399.

This work was written around the year 1595.

Henry IV (parts 1 and 2)

With the government of Enrique IV, the play that is divided into two parts.

The first begins with the Battle of Humbleton Hilla and ends with the Battle of Shrewsbury in mid-1403.

The second part begins again in 1403 until reaching the battle of Azincourt.

Henry V

Last part of the theatralogy that began with Ricardo II. In it, the attempt to conquer France by Henry V.

Henry VI (parts 1,2 and 3)

Work that begins with the funeral of Henry V. The first part focuses on the French conflict and the origin of the war of the roses, while the second on the marriage between the marriage of Enrique Vi and Margarita de Anjou.

The third and last part tells us about Enrique's resignation from the succession to the throne and his assassination.

Richard III

History of the lust for power and usurpation of the throne of Ricardo. Divided into five acts, this play mixes prose and verse.

Henry VIII

One of Shakespiere's least acclaimed historical dramas.

The story of Henry VIII and the multiple marital problems that he sustains throughout his life is told, especially with Catherine of Aragon, who ends up being the heroine of the play.

Sonnets

Published without their consent, this work is a set of 54 sonnets written over 20 years.

The themes of these are varied, finding different blocks: dedicated to a young man, a brunette lady, etc…

Venus and Adonis

Narrative poem dedicated to the Earl of Southampton. It is divided into stanzas of six lines.

The theme is about Venus, who is in love with Adonis and his desire for seduction.

The Rape of Lucretia

Like Venus and Adonis, this poem written in seven-line stanzas is dedicated to the Earl of Southampton.

As its title indicates, it deals with Lucio Tarquino's rape of Lucrecia.

Have you read any of the works of this literary genius? which is your favorite? Leave us your comment!