Villiam shakespeare 1564-1616 English poet and playwright who is the most respected and influential figure in the history of English literature. Shakespeare's tragedies particularly Hamlet Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth. mark the summit of his art and are among the highlights of all world literatureWilliam Shakespeare (1564-1616) ◼ English poet and playwright who is the most respected and influential figure in the history of English literature. Shakespeare’s tragedies, particularly Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth, mark the summit of his art and are among the highlights of all world literature