Shakespeare’s life remains as evocative and enigmatic today as it was during the Elizabethan era. Known for his astoundingly prolific and influential body of work, William Shakespeare has become an iconic figure in the world of literature. However, the life of this playwright is shrouded in mystery, and many details and anecdotes remain to this day largely unknown and less explored. Let’s delve into some lesser-known facts about the life of Shakespeare that historians and scholars have managed to uncover.
Shakespeare’s Self-Taught Journey
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Shakespeare did not receive a formal literary education. There is no surviving evidence that he attended university or even secondary school post the usual teenage age. It’s believed that he was largely self-taught, acquiring his literary prowess through voracious reading and keen observation of life in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Shakespearean Sonnets
While Shakespeare is known for his plays, his collection of sonnets provides a fascinating glimpse into his personal life. These 154 poems are thought to be addressed to two different ‘Dark Ladies’, whose identities have never been conclusively established. Scholars have linked the sonnets to three different women: the ‘Dark Lady’, the ‘Fair Lord’, and the ‘Fair Youth’.
Shakespeare’s Role as a Producer
Shakespeare was not just a playwright, but also a shrewd businessman and producer. He was a part owner of the Globe Theatre and the Blackfriars Theatre. In fact, when he passed away, his assets included shares in both these theatres and the second best bed in his family home.
Shakespeare’s Lost Years
The period from 1585-1592, often referred to as Shakespeare’s ‘lost years’, is largely unknown to us. During these years, there is no record of Shakespeare in London, which is where his career really began to take off in the acting world.
Shakespeare’s Haymarket
Despite the lack of historical record, it’s believed that Shakespeare may have used a secret tunnel to escape from the Globe Theatre to his family home in Stratford. This ‘Haymarket’ would have been used to deliver scripts to and from London.
Shakespeare with a Midsummer Night’s Dream scroll (Image Source: Unknown)
_FAQs about Shakespeare_
**Q: How many plays and sonnets did Shakespeare write?**
A: Shakespeare is credited with writing 39 plays and 154 sonnets. However, the exact number is debated due to disputes over the authorship of some works.
**Q: Where did Shakespeare die?**
A: Shakespeare passed away in his sleep in his home in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 23, 1616.
**Q: Did Shakespeare act in his own plays?**
A: Yes, it’s believed that Shakespeare acted in some of his own productions, although there’s no concrete evidence to confirm this.
**Q: Why is Shakespeare often depicted as aristocratic?**
A: This is largely due to the Tudor myth, which promoted the idea that Shakespeare had a higher social standing in order to make his works more marketable to nobility.
**Q: Did Shakespeare’s works get recognized during his lifetime?**
A: Shakespeare’s works started gaining recognition towards the end of his life. However, the odes published a year before his death brought him widespread acclaim and established his reputation as a significant literary figure.
Shakespeare’s life is intriguing and full of uncertainties, making it somewhat of a historical enigma. Detailed explorations of literary studies reveal new facets of his life and work, keeping the fascination with this timeless playwright alive.
