Scholars have been able to piece together William Shakespeare’s likely biography from sources like official records, his will, his marriage certificate and his tombstone. Shakespeare was likely born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He probably attended a free school, where he studied Latin plays. At 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, and they went on to have three children, one of whom died of black plague. For several years after the birth of his children, Shakespeare disappeared from all records. Scholars call these his “Lost Years.” Records then show that by 1594, Shakespeare was an established actor and writer in London with his popular company, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. He’d hold these positions for 20 years. Shakespeare is thought to have died on April 23, 1616—his likely birthday—at age 52. What is the main purpose of this passage?

A
to recount key events in William Shakespeare’s life

B
to provide a theory about what happened during William Shakespeare’s “Lost Years”

C
to explain where William Shakespeare got the ideas for his plays

D
to describe William Shakespeare’s work with The Lord Chamberlain’s Men