assionate intensity and psychological insight. However,Shakespeare's modern reputation is based mainly on the 38 plays that he wrote, modified,and collaborated on. When in his days, these plays frequently had little respect by hiseducated friends, who considered English plays of their own to be only tastelessentertainment.Shakespeare's professional life in London was marked by a number of financiallybeneficial arrangements that allowed him to share in the profits of his acting company, theChamberlain's Men, later called the King's Men. The acting company had two theaters,the Globe Theatre and the Blackfriars. His plays were given special presentation at thecourts of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I more frequently than those of any othercoexistent writer. It was known that he risked losing royal favor only once, in 1599, whenhis company performed the play of the deposing and killing of King Richard II at therequest of a group of conspirators against Elizabeth. They were led by Elizabeth'sunsuccessful court favorite, Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, and by the earl ofSouthampton. In the later study, Shakespeare's company was cleared of dealing with theconspiracy.After 1608, Shakespeare's dramatic production lessened and it seemed that he spentmore time in Stratford. There he had secure family in an wealthy house called New Place. Shakespeare had become a leading local citizen. He died on April 23, 1616, and wasburied in the Stratford church....
