Exclusive Peeks: Remarkable and Unknown Facts About Shakespeare’s Life
As one of the finest playwrights and poets in the history of English literature, William Shakespeare’s life has been examined for centuries. Despite the vast amount of research dedicated to his life and works, there are still a number of remarkable and unknown facts that captivate the imagination. This article aims to provide a glimpse into the life of this remarkable figure and offer some lesser-known tidbits about the life of a man who shaped the English language like no other. Accompanying this article is an image that portrays the mysterious aura surrounding Shakespeare.
1. Shakespeare’s Possible Marriage
Recently discovered court records suggest that Shakespeare may have been secretly married to Anne Hathaway between 1582 and 1583. While this theory has been debated for years, the discovery of an official document could shed new light on their relationship.
2. Shakespeare’s Social Circle
Although not an aristocrat, Shakespeare was married to a Catholic called Anne Hathaway and was known to associate with nobility. He entertained royalty such as Queen Elizabeth I and King James I and may have even been a knight. His close friend was the renowned nobleman Lord Chancellor, Francis Bacon.
3. Shakespeare’s Pseudonyms
To maintain his anonymity and attend the Globe Theatre during performances, Shakespeare often used pseudonyms such as “W.S.” However, some sources suggest he may have used the moniker “William Shakespear of Stratford” in London.
4. Family Curse
There’s an anecdotal tale about a curse placed on the Macbeth play by Lord Banquo’s ghost, as Shakespeare is said to have “plotted” a murder in the play on the orders of King James I, who was a descendant of Banquo’s son, Fleance. However, there is little evidence to support this theory.
5. Shakespeare’s Hidden Treasure
Many conspiracy theories suggest that Shakespeare’s fortune was hidden away from the world, leading to a dramatic disappearance or death. Some believe that his family kept his wealth a secret, and others, more romantic in their imagination, theorize that Shakespeare’s true heritage, as a noble or possibly even the illegitimate son of a royal, was concealed.
6. Educational Background
Before returning to Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare attended King’s New School, which had an instructional arrangement based on John Amos Comenius’s ‘Great Chain of Being’. Some scholars argue that Shakespeare would have had to be an exceptional student to follow this curriculum and thus be able to compose such remarkable works.
7. Unique Coat of Arms
In 1596, Shakespeare was granted a coat of arms by the College of Heralds. This allowed him to claim a higher social status and to pass it down to his descendants. The shield’s emblems included three bunches of roses and a boar’s head, taken from a family coat of arms.
[image: A drawing of the Shakespeare coat of arms, representing his family’s coat of arms emblems and symbols]
FAQs:
Q1: Who were Shakespeare’s parents?
Shakespeare’s father was John Shakespeare, a glover and alderman from Stratford-upon-Avon. His mother was Mary Arden, the daughter of a prominent landowner.
Q2: Did Shakespeare write all the plays attributed to him?
There’s ongoing debate over authorship, with some scholars attributing plays like “The plays” to other playwrights such as Christopher Marlowe. However, these theories are controversial and not widely accepted.
Q3: Did Shakespeare go to university?
There is no record of Shakespeare attending a university. However, he received a classical education at Stratford’s King’s New School.
Q4: Was Shakespeare successful during his time?
Yes, Shakespeare was extremely successful during his lifetime. He published several successful plays and was a member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a group of actors for whom he wrote plays.
Q5: Why did Shakespeare retire after his retirement?
Shakespeare’s physical and mental health may have declined after applying for a coat of arms for his family in 1604. It is believed he faced financial issues and that his works’ styles also changed during this period.
