15 Interesting Facts about William Shakespeare

Introduction:

William Shakespeare is one of the most renowned authors of all time. Although the exact details of his life are still engulfed in mystery, his works have been praised and celebrated since his lifetime. Appreciated for his captivating stories, memorable characters, and beautiful language, Shakespeare continues to be revered both by literature enthusiasts as well as casual readers. This article takes a look at fifteen interesting facts about the life of this Bard of Avon.

Fact 1: Shakespeare was a Successful Businessman

Despite the fact that his readers are now contacted mostly through the printed page, it is quite likely that William Shakespeare was a successful businessman in his heyday. Records of his career show that he was likely part-owner of the universally popular Globe Theater, making half the profits as well as working as the master of ceremonies. Additionally, his acting and writing ability gave him recognition, drawing in admirers and playgoers. This allowed him a great amount of income and status within his lifetime.

Fact 2: He Married Young

At the tender age of 18, William Shakespeare chose to marry Anne Hathaway, a twenty-six year old widow. Hathaway already had a child from her previous marriage, a factor which some historians like Roy Battenhouse have postulated was the reason for the early wedding. However, three months later, the couple’s first daughter Susanna was born, implying that it was not an entirely rushed decision. Sadly, the couple had one other child, twins Judith and Hamnet, but the latter died at a young age and the former became an orphan.

Fact 3: He Was Likely a Catholic

Though this is still a matter of dispute among academics, scholars of the time (and even beyond) agree that William Shakespeare was likely a Roman Catholic. At the time, England was very anti-Catholic, and the author would often hide his true beliefs in order to continue his work. This could be seen in his plays where religious themes were often subtly touched upon and in which a few characters were believers of the faith.

Fact 4: He Lived an Extraordinary Life

We usually think of William Shakespeare as a solitary writer, sitting in some quiet corner with a quill in hand, penning up the world’s greatest literature. However, the truth is far more remarkable. He was a warrior, spy, actor, celebrity, entrepreneur, shareholder, poet, playwright, and more. He managed to balance all of these roles in his remarkable life.

Fact 5: His Plays Are Immortalized in Monumental Works

Countless books have been written about the Bard, his plays, and his life. This is because Shakespeare has a unique ability to touch upon many powerful themes: love, betrayal, ambition, humor, and loss, among many others. His works include tragedies, comedies, historical plays, comedy of manners, and tragedies. The popularity of Shakespeare and his works means his tales will remain timeless and remembered for all time.

Fact 6: He Popularized Specific Words

Often considered to be the most prolific wordsmith of all time, William Shakespeare is credited with creating over 1,700 words thanks to his plays and poetry. Additionally, he’s responsible for popularizing several other terms, words and phrases like “foul play”, “in a pickle”, “discreet,” “elbow room,” and many others.

Fact 7: Initials Spelt on His Signature

Though we think of William Shakespeare as one of the most famous authors in the world today, it is likely that he was not highly popular in his own time. This is evidenced by his last will, signed with the letters WSH. Though this could theoretically stand for William Shakespeare, it is more likely to mean he was just another John Smith. This lack of recognition is a testament to the fact that he did not become famous until much later in his life.

Fact 8: Strangest Writing Happened during a Creative Dry Spell

Though most of his works are classed as some of the most iconic literature of all time, in 1612-1613, he wrote a play titled Cardenio. As written, it no longer exists, but versions of the tale have been re-told and adapted by others in the centuries that have passed. It is thought that Shakespeare derived some of the elements of his play from a book entitled Love’s Labor’s Lost, which was published some years before.

Fact 9: Scandalous Sonnets

Dating back to the 16th century, some of the most scintillating and scandalous works of William Shakespeare were his sonnets. Written in 1592, many of his poems allude to a bisexual relationship between him and a Fair Young Man. This was a period where such ideas could land you in trouble, though no solid evidence exists suggesting this was actually the case. Further, in 154 of these works, the Bard speaks of a ‘dark-lady’, whom he then addresses as ‘mistress’, leading some to believe that he was involved in a double affair.

Fact 10: His Fate After Death is Vague

Though there is a long-standing grave of William Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the final few months of his life remains shrouded in mystery. It is certain that he died in 1616 and was buried at the Holy Trinity Church prior to this, though what led him to this end is still a matter of speculation. From a fever to food poisoning, his death has been the source of many theories over the centuries.

Fact 11: Academic Scholars Considered His Writing Sub-par

Though the plays of William Shakespeare are now synonymous with innovation and beauty, this wasn’t the case in his own time. In 1603, John Florio published a collection of British plays that did not include any of the Bard’s works. Many more similar examples existed, with many academics thinking he was nothing more than a ‘upstart crow’. It wasn’t until the mid-17th century that his plays began to be viewed as the incredible works of art that they are now.

Fact 12: Lost Plays

Though it is likely that the existing thirty-seven plays of William Shakespeare are the only ones that survived from this period, there is fact to suggest that he wrote more. A contemporary of the Bard, Ben Johnson, referred to his lost plays, which have led some to suggest that there is as many as another seventeen works out there, perhaps stowed away in some long-forgotten library or storeroom.

Fact 13: He Was Likely Impatient

Though he was likely an incredibly patient writer, William Shakespeare found himself on the wrong side of the law more than once. Likely for his impatience, he was often brought up before the local magistrates for numerous misdeeds, most of which revolved around selling his grain in Stratford-Upon-Avon at prices that were deemed too high. Thankfully, he was acquitted in 1605, but it still goes to show that he was not a saint.

Fact 14: He Was Likely a Scholar

Though there are many stories and tales of William Shakespeare going about in the English countryside as a lad, there is some evidence that suggests he was actually an avid student of the art of writing and literature. In recent years, scholars have uncovered manuscripts from the Bard which suggest that he studied Greek philosophers and had a detailed understanding of their works, as well as those of Latin authors.

Fact 15: They Named a Park After Him

In his hometown of Stratford-Upon-Avon, there is a park dedicated to the life and works of William Shakespeare. Called the ‘Holy Trinity Park’, it is located near the church where the author lived and is filled with various children’s activities, as well as quotes and quotations from this iconic author.

Conclusion

Ultimately William Shakespeare is a figure that transcends time and cultural boundaries; his works and abilities are revered by people the world over and he remains one of the most popular figures in British literature. From being married at an early age, to being an active Roman Catholic, to being an entrepreneur and a poet all rolled into one, Shakespeare was nothing short of an unbelievable talent. It’s no wonder that these fifteen unique facts about his life have managed to captivate audiences for centuries.