Whether you adore or detest his work, William Shakespeare's words and phrases have permeated the English language, and his plays have been performed more than those of any other playwright. Despite his monumental influence, much of Shakespeare's life remains shrouded in mystery, with some even questioning the authorship of his works. Intriguingly, Shakespeare vanished from historical records between 1585 and 1592, with theories ranging from acting in London to traveling across Europe. Here are six more surprising facts about Shakespeare that you might not know.
One of the most astonishing facts about William Shakespeare is that, despite his literary genius, none of his immediate family members could read or write. Historical records indicate that his father, John Shakespeare, was unable to sign his own name, and it is widely believed that his mother, Mary Arden, was also illiterate. Even more surprising is the evidence suggesting that Shakespeare's own children, Susanna and Judith, were likely illiterate as well (Source: Shakespeare Birthplace Trust).
While Shakespeare is often labeled as an Elizabethan playwright, it is more accurate to describe him as a Jacobean playwright. Although he did write during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, many of his most famous works, including "Macbeth" and "The Tempest," were penned during the reign of King James I. This distinction is crucial for understanding the context and themes of his later plays (Source: British Library).
Contrary to the belief that Shakespeare wrote all his works single-handedly, it is almost certain that he collaborated with other writers. For instance, many of the witches' scenes in "Macbeth" are believed to have been written by Thomas Middleton. This practice of collaborative writing was common among playwrights of the time, making it likely that Shakespeare's works were a team effort (Source: The Guardian).
Despite the enduring legacy of his works, Shakespeare himself did not expect his plays to last beyond his lifetime. He did not bother to publish any of his plays; this task was undertaken posthumously by his friends and fellow actors. Shakespeare was primarily focused on creating popular entertainment for his contemporaries, akin to modern-day box office hits (Source: Folger Shakespeare Library).
The spelling of Shakespeare's name remains a topic of debate among historians. Various documents bearing his signature show different spellings, including "Shakspere," "Shakspeare," and "Shaxberd." To add to the confusion, Shakespeare often abbreviated his name in letters and other documents, making it difficult to ascertain the correct spelling (Source: Shakespeare Documented).
When existing words failed to capture his thoughts, Shakespeare simply invented new ones. He is credited with coining over 1,700 words that are now part of the modern English lexicon. Some of these words include "lackluster," "eyeball," "birthplace," "luggage," and "bedroom." His creative use of language has had a lasting impact on English (Source: Oxford English Dictionary).
Many aspects of William Shakespeare's life and work continue to be subjects of debate and fascination. From his family's illiteracy to his collaborative writing practices, these surprising facts offer a deeper understanding of the Bard's complex legacy. For more intriguing insights into Shakespeare's life, you can explore additional resources here.
By delving into these lesser-known facts, we gain a richer appreciation for the enigmatic figure who has shaped literature and language for centuries.
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