Fun Facts William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare, the renowned English playwright and poet, is often hailed as the greatest writer in the English language. Though his works continue to be celebrated and studied, many aspects of his life remain shrouded in mystery. Here are some intriguing facts about the Bard that may surprise you:

Early Life and Family

  • His exact date of birth is unknown. While he was baptized on April 26, 1564, his actual birthdate is still debated. Traditionally, April 23 is observed as Shakespeare’s birthday.
  • Shakespeare married an older woman. He wed Anne Hathaway, who was 26 at the time, when she was already pregnant with their first child. They went on to have three children together.
  • One of his children died young. Hamnet, Shakespeare’s son, tragically passed away at the age of 11, possibly from the plague.
  • Shakespeare’s father faced legal troubles. John Shakespeare, William’s father, was accused of illegal money-lending and wool-dealing, causing him to fall from grace socially and economically. This experience likely influenced Shakespeare’s perspectives on power, class, and social injustice.
  • Shakespeare’s parents and children may have been illiterate. While there’s no concrete evidence, there’s a possibility that Shakespeare’s family lacked formal education.

Career and Plays

  • Shakespeare introduced over 3, to the English language. His vast vocabulary was four times that of an average well-educated person.
  • Shakespeare may have been involved in criminal activity. Some historians believe he may have been connected to the criminal underworld in London due to a legal dispute involving him and a theater owner.
  • The Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed, was destroyed by fire. During a performance of Henry VIII in 1613, a prop cannon caused a fire that consumed the entire theater.

Beyond the Stage

  • Shakespeare was a real estate investor. He purchased and stored grain for resale during a period of food shortages, possibly profiting from the crisis.
  • Shakespeare may have helped arrange a marriage. He acted as a character witness in a legal dispute involving his landlord, suggesting he had a hand in the marriage of his landlord’s daughter.
  • Shakespeare avoided paying taxes. Documents show that he did not pay a required tax on his personal wealth, though the reasons for this remain unclear.
  • Shakespeare left a curse on his gravestone. To deter grave robbers, he wrote a curse that reads, “Good frend for Jesus sake forbeare, To digg the dust Encloased heare: Bleste be the man that spares these stones, And curst be he that moves my bones.”

Despite the mysteries surrounding his life, William Shakespeare’s legacy as a literary giant remains undeniable. His plays and poems continue to enchant, inspire, and challenge audiences around the world. These fun facts offer a glimpse into the intriguing world of the Bard, reminding us that even the most celebrated figures often have unexpected and captivating stories to tell.

Like this post? Please share to your friends:
stunningfun.com
Leave a Reply