William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language, with a body of work that includes 38 plays and 154 sonnets. Despite his profound influence on literature and the arts, there are many aspects of Shakespeare's life and work that remain shrouded in mystery.
From his humble beginnings to his rise as a renowned playwright, Shakespeare's story is full of intriguing twists and turns. Here are 25 surprising facts about the Bard of Avon that will challenge your assumptions and deepen your appreciation for his work.
1. Shakespeare's Lost Years
Shakespeare's life between 1585 and 1592 is largely unknown, with some speculating that he worked as a teacher, a lawyer, or even a spy. This period, known as the "lost years," has sparked intense debate and speculation among scholars.
2. The Real Inspiration Behind Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare's famous play Romeo and Juliet was inspired by an Italian poem called "The Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Juliet" by Arthur Brooke. However, the original story was based on a real-life feud between two families in Verona, Italy.
3. Shakespeare's Signature
Shakespeare's signature is found on only six documents, with each signature slightly different from the others. This has led some to question whether the signatures are genuine or were added later.
4. The Mysterious Dark Lady
Shakespeare's sonnets are filled with references to a mysterious "Dark Lady" who was the object of his desires. Despite numerous attempts to identify her, the Dark Lady remains a mystery.
5. Shakespeare's Acting Career
Shakespeare was not only a playwright but also an actor, performing in many of his own plays. He was a member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a theater company that later became known as the King's Men.
6. The First Folio
The First Folio, a collection of Shakespeare's plays published in 1623, is one of the most valuable books in the world. Only 230 copies of the original 750 printed copies survive today.
7. Shakespeare's Will
Shakespeare's will is a fascinating document that provides insight into his personal life. He left his wife, Anne Hathaway, his "second-best bed," which has been interpreted as a sign of his lack of affection for her.
8. The Curse of Shakespeare's Grave
Shakespeare's grave in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon bears an ominous inscription that warns against moving his bones. Many believe that this curse has prevented anyone from disturbing his grave.
9. Shakespeare's Debt to Ovid
Shakespeare's plays and poems are filled with references to the Roman poet Ovid. In fact, some scholars believe that Ovid's works had a greater influence on Shakespeare than any other author.
10. The Real Shakespeare
Shakespeare's likeness is familiar to us today, but the authenticity of his portraits is disputed. Some scholars believe that the most famous portrait of Shakespeare, the Chandos Portrait, is actually a forgery.
11. Shakespeare's Family Ties
Shakespeare's family was not as humble as often portrayed. His father, John Shakespeare, was a successful glove maker and a prominent figure in Stratford-upon-Avon.
12. The Influence of Italian Culture
Shakespeare's plays are filled with references to Italian culture, from the settings of plays like The Taming of the Shrew to the characters' use of Italian phrases and customs.
13. Shakespeare's Sonnets and the Art of Coding
Some scholars believe that Shakespeare's sonnets contain hidden codes and ciphers that reveal deeper meanings and messages. These codes are still being deciphered today.
14. The Debunking of the Authorship Theory
For centuries, scholars have debated whether Shakespeare actually wrote his plays. However, most experts now agree that the evidence supports Shakespeare's authorship and the alternative theories have been largely discredited.
15. Shakespeare's Lasting Legacy
Shakespeare's impact on the English language is immeasurable. He introduced over 1700 words and phrases that are still in use today, including "assassination," "bedazzled," and "fashionable."
16. Shakespeare's Connection to the Gunpowder Plot
Shakespeare's company, the King's Men, performed a play called "Macbeth" for King James I, who was the target of the infamous Gunpowder Plot.
Some scholars believe that the play contained references to the plot and was meant to warn the king of the impending danger.
17. The Mystery of Shakespeare's Collaboration
Some of Shakespeare's plays, such as "Pericles" and "The Two Noble Kinsmen," are believed to have been written in collaboration with other authors. However, the extent of these collaborations and the identities of the co-authors are still unknown.
18. Shakespeare's Use of Astrology
Shakespeare's plays often contain references to astrology and the movements of the stars. In fact, some scholars believe that Shakespeare used astrological symbols and imagery to convey deeper meanings and themes in his plays.
19. The Influence of Folklore and Mythology
Shakespeare's plays are filled with references to folklore and mythology, from the fairy kingdom in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to the witches in "Macbeth." These references reflect the cultural and mythological traditions of Shakespeare's time.
20. Shakespeare's Relationship with his Patrons
Shakespeare's company, the King's Men, was patronized by King James I and other members of the royal family. Shakespeare's relationship with these patrons was complex and often influenced the content of his plays.
21. The Evolution of Shakespeare's Style
Shakespeare's writing style evolved significantly over the course of his career. His early plays, such as "The Two Gentlemen of Verona," are characterized by a more formal and traditional style, while his later plays, such as "The Tempest," are marked by a more experimental and innovative approach.
22. Shakespeare's Use of Music and Song
Music and song played a significant role in Shakespeare's plays, with many characters singing or playing musical instruments. In fact, some scholars believe that Shakespeare's plays were meant to be performed with music and were influenced by the musical traditions of his time.
23. The Autobiographical Elements in Shakespeare's Plays
Some scholars believe that Shakespeare's plays contain autobiographical elements, with characters and experiences drawn from his own life.
For example, the character of Hamlet is thought to reflect Shakespeare's own feelings of melancholy and introspection.
24. Shakespeare's Impact on the English Language
Shakespeare's impact on the English language is still felt today, with many of his words and phrases having become an integral part of our vocabulary. In fact, it's estimated that over 1700 words and phrases coined by Shakespeare are still in use today.
25. The Timeless Appeal of Shakespeare's Plays
Despite being written over 400 years ago, Shakespeare's plays continue to be performed and admired today.
His exploration of universal themes such as love, power, and mortality continues to resonate with audiences around the world, ensuring that his plays will remain a vital part of our cultural heritage for generations to come.
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Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.