Which event is associated with the year 1616?

The year 1616 is most notably associated with the death of William Shakespeare. His passing marked the end of an era in English literature, as he was one of the most significant playwrights and poets of the time. Shakespeare’s works have had a profound influence on subsequent literature and the English language itself. The year holds particular resonance in literary history because his contributions helped shape themes, genres, and character development in storytelling.

The other events listed occurred in different years. Pocahontas's trip to England took place earlier, in 1616, but her death there was not as significant as Shakespeare's influence. The Defenestration of Prague occurred in 1618, a critical event leading to the Thirty Years' War, and the signing of the Mayflower Compact happened in 1620, establishing a foundational legal framework for the Plymouth Colony. Therefore, while the other choices mention noteworthy historical events, none have the same direct association with the year 1616 as the death of William Shakespeare.