In honor of International Pirate Month, we’ll discuss the rocky pirate situation during Shakespeare’s time & how this influenced his plays! Note--While reading, keep in mind Shakespeare lived between 1564 & 1616, writing his most famous works around 1590-1613. Therefore, he witnessed firsthand the following evolving attitudes toward English piracy. BRIEF HISTORY Elizabeth I: Pirates Turn from Criminals to Heroes Let’s begin in 1558. Following Mary’s death, Elizabeth I became