who died in 1596 why was this significant
Hamnet Shakespeare died in 1596. Some theories about Hamnet's influence on his father William Shakespeare's plays are centered on the tragedy "Hamlet", composed in 1599 or 1601.
Hamnet Shakespeare
Hamnet Shakespeare (baptised 2 February 1585 – buried 11 August 1596) was the only son of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway, and the fraternal twin of Judith Shakespeare. 
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Hamnet Shakespeare [SEP] Introduction
Hamnet Shakespeare (baptised 2 February 1585 – buried 11 August 1596) was the only son of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway, and the fraternal twin of Judith Shakespeare. He died at the age of 11. Some Shakespearean scholars speculate on the relationship between Hamnet and his father's later play "Hamlet", as well as on possible connections between Hamnet's death and the writing of "King John", "Romeo and Juliet", "Julius Caesar", and "Twelfth Night".