Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in history, but there’s much more to his life and works than meets the eye. Beyond his famous plays and sonnets, there are many intriguing facts that remain lesser-known to most. From surprising details about his personal life to hidden meanings within his writings, uncovering these lesser-discussed aspects of Shakespeare can offer a fresh perspective on the Bard’s enduring legacy.
Shakespeare Invented Over 1,700 Words
One of Shakespeare’s most unique contributions to the English language was his invention of over 1,700 words. Many of these words were first recorded in his plays and are still in use today, such as “bedazzled,” “swagger,” and “lonely.” His ability to creatively craft language helped shape English as we know it, adding both sophistication and playfulness to the lexicon.
He Never Published His Plays During His Lifetime
Surprisingly, Shakespeare never published any of his plays during his lifetime. It wasn’t until seven years after his death that his friends and fellow actors, John Heminges and Henry Condell, compiled his works in the First Folio. Without this collection, many of Shakespeare’s greatest works may have been lost to history, including “Macbeth” and “Twelfth Night.”
His Signature Varies Greatly
Only six surviving examples of Shakespeare’s signature exist, and each one is noticeably different. Scholars believe that inconsistent spelling and handwriting were common in the Elizabethan era. However, the varying signatures have sparked debates among historians about his education and authorship of the works attributed to him.
He Was Suspected of Being a Catholic
Although Shakespeare lived during a time of religious conflict, it is believed by some scholars that he was secretly Catholic. His mother’s family, the Ardens, were known Catholics, and some of his works contain references that align with Catholic doctrines. Yet, due to the dangers of being openly Catholic at the time, Shakespeare’s personal beliefs remain speculative.
The Globe Theatre Was Rebuilt After a Fire
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was destroyed by fire in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII. A misfired cannon ignited the roof, leading to the complete destruction of the iconic venue. Within a year, however, the theatre was rebuilt, allowing Shakespeare’s works to continue being performed. The modern Globe Theatre, reconstructed in 1997, stands as a tribute to this rich history.
Shakespeare’s Death is Still a Mystery
Despite being one of the most famous writers in history, the exact cause of Shakespeare’s death remains unclear. He died at the relatively young age of 52, and no contemporary account provides a definite explanation. Some speculate that he died of an illness, while others believe he may have been involved in heavy drinking shortly before his passing.
He Had No Direct Descendants
Shakespeare had three children, but none of them left direct descendants. His son Hamnet died at the age of 11, and his two daughters, Susanna and Judith, had no children who survived to carry on the family name. As a result, the Shakespeare bloodline came to an end shortly after his death, despite his legendary impact on literature.
His Early Career is Known as the “Lost Years”
There is a significant gap in the records of Shakespeare’s life, spanning from 1585 to 1592, known as the “lost years.” No one knows exactly what he was doing during this period. Some historians speculate he may have worked as a schoolteacher or traveled through Europe, but these remain educated guesses with little concrete evidence.
He Was a Prolific Actor
In addition to being a playwright, Shakespeare was also an actor. He performed in many of his own plays and was a part of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later known as the King’s Men, which was one of the most prominent acting companies in London. His firsthand experience on stage likely informed his keen understanding of dialogue and character development.
Some of His Plays Were Co-Written
While Shakespeare is renowned for his solo genius, it’s now believed that several of his plays were co-written. Timon of Athens and Pericles are two such examples where scholars have identified contributions from other playwrights, such as Thomas Middleton and George Wilkins. This collaborative aspect of Shakespeare’s work adds complexity to his legacy as a singular literary figure.
Shakespeare’s Marriage Was Unconventional
Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway when he was just 18 years old, and she was 26 and already pregnant. Their union was unusual for the time, given their age difference and the fact that marriages typically happened later in life for men. While their relationship details remain obscure, some of Shakespeare’s later works, particularly his sonnets, suggest complex feelings about love and fidelity.
His Final Plays Focus on Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Shakespeare’s later works, known as his “romances,” such as The Tempest and The Winter’s Tale, reflect themes of forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation. These plays mark a departure from the darker tragedies that characterized much of his earlier work. Scholars believe this shift reflects Shakespeare’s personal and professional evolution toward the end of his career.
His Sonnets May Contain Clues to His Private Life
Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets have intrigued readers and scholars for centuries due to their intimate tone and enigmatic subjects. Many of the sonnets are addressed to a “fair youth” and a “dark lady,” sparking speculation about Shakespeare’s personal relationships. Some believe the poems hint at unrequited love, while others suggest a deeper commentary on identity and desire.
Macbeth Is Considered Cursed
Among theatre circles, Macbeth is infamous for being cursed. Actors and stagehands avoid saying the name of the play inside a theatre, referring to it instead as “The Scottish Play.” The superstition stems from various accidents and disasters that have occurred during performances, leading to the belief that the play brings bad luck.
Shakespeare’s Vocabulary Was Enormous
Shakespeare’s use of language was staggering, with estimates suggesting his vocabulary ranged between 17,000 and 29,000 words. To put this in perspective, the average person today uses about 20,000-30,000 words over the course of their entire lifetime. His ability to convey complex emotions, ideas, and imagery with such a diverse range of words is part of what makes his works timeless.
Queen Elizabeth I Was a Fan
Shakespeare enjoyed the patronage of Queen Elizabeth I, who was a great admirer of the arts. His plays often appealed to her tastes, with historical dramas like Richard III and Henry V likely resonating with her. It’s even rumored that The Merry Wives of Windsor was written at her request, specifically featuring the character Falstaff, one of her favorites.
He Was Likely a Multilingual Scholar
Shakespeare’s education at the local grammar school in Stratford-upon-Avon would have included instruction in Latin, and there is evidence in his plays that he was familiar with French, Italian, and even some Greek. His works contain numerous classical references and allusions to other literary traditions, demonstrating that his world was not limited to the English stage.
He Wrote the Longest Play in the English Language
At over 4,000 lines, Hamlet is Shakespeare’s longest play, making it the longest play in the English language. Its length reflects the complexity of its themes—grief, revenge, madness—and its depth of character development, especially in Hamlet’s soliloquies, which are among the most famous speeches in all of literature.
He Owned Property in London
Shakespeare’s success as a playwright and actor allowed him to invest in property in London, including the Blackfriars Theatre. Owning real estate in the city was a sign of wealth and status, demonstrating that Shakespeare was not just an artistic genius but also a savvy businessman who capitalized on his success in the highly competitive theatre scene.
His Work Was Criticized in His Own Time
Though he is celebrated today, not all of Shakespeare’s contemporaries were fans. Notably, the playwright Robert Greene called Shakespeare an “upstart crow” in his pamphlet Groatsworth of Wit, criticizing his rise from humble beginnings to literary fame. Despite such detractors, Shakespeare’s works outlasted the criticisms and have gone on to define English literature for centuries.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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