
How did a man from a small English town become history’s most celebrated playwright? What enabled Shakespeare to survive the deadly diseases of 16th-century England and go on to create masterpieces?
Bill Bryson’s Shakespeare: The World as Stage unravels the mysteries surrounding the Bard’s life, from his humble beginnings in Stratford to his unparalleled rise in London’s theater scene. He explores everything from Shakespeare’s suspected portraits to his innovative contributions to the English language.
Continue reading to take a journey through time to discover the remarkable story of literature’s greatest voice.
Overview of Bill Bryson’s Shakespeare
Despite the scarcity of verified information about William Shakespeare’s life, Bill Bryson’s Shakespeare: The World as Stage provides an intriguing exploration of the renowned playwright’s origins, career, and enduring legacy. He gives insight into the contentious debates surrounding Shakespeare’s depictions, the enigma of his formative years, and his ascent to prominence within London’s dynamic theatrical landscape.
Bryson delves into the significant influence Shakespeare exerted through his extensive repertoire of plays and poetic works. He examines the playwright’s innovative contributions to the English language and the uncertainty surrounding his final years, culminating in the eventual rise of his literary reputation after his demise.
Depictions of Shakespeare
The quest to know what William Shakespeare truly looked like has captivated scholars, artists, and enthusiasts for centuries, yet his authentic appearance remains shrouded in mystery. Among the handful of purported contemporary depictions, three significant representations have emerged as the most widely discussed and debated: the elegant but unconfirmed Chandos Portrait, the technically flawed but historically significant Droeshout Engraving, and the contentious effigy at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. Each of these representations offers unique insights into both the appearance of England’s greatest playwright and the complex cultural and artistic practices of Elizabethan and Jacobean England, while simultaneously raising questions about authenticity, artistic interpretation, and the challenges of historical preservation.
The Chandos Portrait
The Chandos portrait, one of many purported depictions of Shakespeare, remains a subject of scholarly debate. The painting shows a confident, serene man in his forties, wearing sophisticated black garments and sporting a neatly groomed beard and gold earring. His attire suggests both wealth and social status, while the earring indicates a connection to artistic and theatrical circles of the time.
Currently housed in London’s National Portrait Gallery since its founding, the portrait’s origins and subject remain uncertain. While Bryson suggests the man in the portrait could indeed be Shakespeare, and the stylistic elements align with both the time period and Shakespeare’s profession, the lack of documented history makes definitive authentication impossible. Though the Chandos portrait continues to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike, its status as a true representation of the Bard remains unconfirmed.
The Droeshout Engraving
The Droeshout engraving, which first appeared in the 1623 compilation of Shakespeare’s works, is one of the most recognized images of the playwright, despite its mediocre artistic quality. The portrait presents several technical flaws, including a disproportionately large head and misaligned facial features. Rather than portraying Shakespeare as the confident dramatist one might expect, the engraving depicts him with an unexpectedly modest, almost timid demeanor.
The artist, Martin Droeshout, likely received the commission not for his artistic abilities but because he owned a copperplate printing press. This practical consideration, combined with the fact that the engraving was created seven years after Shakespeare’s death, casts doubt on the portrait’s reliability as an accurate representation of the playwright’s appearance.
Effigy at Holy Trinity Church
Within Holy Trinity Church in Stratford stands a life-sized effigy that may represent Shakespeare. The statue, erected around 1623, serves as a prominent monument in the church where Shakespeare was both baptized and buried. Though considered artistically unremarkable, it holds historical significance as it was created during Shakespeare’s era.
Bryson, sharing Mark Twain’s critical view, describes the figure as displaying a sense of complacency with a notably puffy face. Despite these aesthetic shortcomings, Bryson suggests that the statue might actually capture Shakespeare’s true likeness, given its contemporary creation and recognition.
The statue’s original appearance remains a mystery due to numerous modifications throughout the centuries. Multiple repaintings and a coating of whitewash have potentially altered its initial form significantly. Without any confirmed authentic images of Shakespeare for comparison, it becomes particularly difficult to assess whether this effigy accurately represents the Bard’s true appearance.
Shakespeare’s Early Life
William Shakespeare’s early life presents a fascinating study in survival, education, and mystery that laid the groundwork for his eventual emergence as history’s most celebrated playwright. From his precarious childhood in disease-ridden 16th century England to his presumed education at King’s New School, and through the enigmatic “lost years” of 1585-1592, Shakespeare’s early journey reflects both the harsh realities of Elizabethan life and the frustrating gaps in historical documentation that continue to intrigue scholars. Understanding these formative years provides crucial context for appreciating not only Shakespeare’s remarkable achievements but also the extraordinary circumstances he overcame to become the literary giant we know today.
Shakespeare Survived Childhood
In 16th century England, survival through childhood was far from guaranteed. Shakespeare’s early years coincided with an era of rampant disease and high mortality rates, making his survival all the more remarkable.
Bryson paints a vivid picture of this perilous time, detailing the numerous health threats that endangered the future dramatist. Plague, smallpox, tuberculosis, and various other illnesses posed constant risks to the population, while the medical treatments of the day often made conditions worse rather than better. The severity of these health challenges was particularly evident in Stratford shortly after Shakespeare’s birth, when a devastating plague epidemic swept through the town, claiming many lives.
The fact that Shakespeare survived these dangerous early years was extraordinary. With child mortality being so prevalent during this period, his successful passage through infancy into adulthood stands as a testament to both good fortune and resilience.
Shakespeare’s Education
Shakespeare’s early life and education in Stratford remain largely mysterious due to limited historical documentation. While it is generally believed that he attended the prestigious King’s New School in his hometown, no educational records from this period exist to confirm this.
As the son of John Shakespeare, who held various important positions in local government, young William likely had access to quality education befitting his family’s prominence in the town. The King’s New School, like other Elizabethan grammar schools, was characterized by long hours of study and strict discipline. The curriculum emphasized traditional subjects, with particular focus on Latin language instruction.
Bryson examines these educational practices of the era while acknowledging the significant gaps in our knowledge. Despite reasonable assumptions about Shakespeare’s schooling, we lack concrete evidence about his academic achievements, the duration of his studies, or even definitive proof of his attendance at the grammar school.
Shakespeare’s Lost Years: 1585-1592
The period between 1585 and 1592, often referred to as Shakespeare’s “lost years,” remains largely shrouded in mystery, with minimal historical documentation available. During this time between his marriage and his emergence in London’s theater scene, Shakespeare’s whereabouts and activities have been the subject of extensive speculation.
Various theories have emerged to explain these unaccounted years. Some suggest he traveled to Italy, while others propose he served in the military in the Low Countries or worked as a teacher. One particularly intriguing theory places Shakespeare in Lancashire, a region known for its significant Catholic population, where he might have worked as an educator or performer among secretive Catholic religious groups.
Bill Bryson, in his examination of this period, notes that while the Lancashire connection presents an fascinating possibility, it rests on circumstantial evidence. The various connections and coincidences, though compelling, lack solid historical proof. Despite centuries of research and speculation, this chapter of Shakespeare’s life continues to elude definitive explanation, remaining truly “lost” to history.
Shakespeare’s Life in London
Shakespeare’s transformation from an unknown provincial figure to a celebrated playwright took place within London’s dynamic theater scene. Arriving in the capital likely in the late 1580s, he quickly established himself as both a respected performer and an in-demand playwright, contributing significantly to the city’s evolving theatrical landscape.
London during the Elizabethan era, as Bryson describes, was characterized by its swelling population, poor sanitation, vibrant theater culture, and complex social hierarchy. The city’s rapid expansion, driven by an influx of ambitious individuals from various regions and a growing number of dedicated theaters, created an ideal environment for the dramatic arts to flourish.
Despite lacking initial connections, Shakespeare’s rise to prominence in London’s theatrical world was remarkably smooth. His talents as both actor and writer earned him swift recognition, leading to a significant position within the prestigious Lord Chamberlain’s Men acting company.
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men
Shakespeare found his creative home with the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, one of London’s most prestigious theater companies, which later became known as the King’s Men after James I assumed the throne. This association proved instrumental in solidifying Shakespeare’s reputation and success. The company’s remarkable stability was particularly noteworthy during an era when theater groups frequently disbanded and actor turnover was high.
The enduring partnership between Shakespeare and his fellow performers distinguished the company from its contemporaries. As Bryson notes, the organization’s success stemmed from the unwavering dedication of its professional members. The company’s prestigious standing, further enhanced by royal patronage under James I, contributed significantly to Shakespeare’s artistic and financial prosperity.
The supportive and collaborative environment within the company allowed Shakespeare to concentrate on his dual roles as playwright and performer. The stable, nurturing atmosphere proved ideal for his creative endeavors, while the company’s royal connections helped elevate his status in London’s theatrical world.
Shakespeare & the Earl of Southampton
Shakespeare’s connection to influential aristocrats, particularly the Earl of Southampton, played a crucial role in his career. His dedications of “Venus and Adonis” and “The Rape of Lucrece” to the young Earl demonstrated his ties to nobility and possibly represented an effort to secure patronage.
Bryson examines this relationship with Southampton, who was known for his extravagant and effeminate nature. The Earl’s life took a dramatic turn when he participated in a failed rebellion against Queen Elizabeth, led by the Earl of Essex.
The nature of Shakespeare’s relationship with Southampton has been a subject of scholarly discussion. While some interpret the dedications as evidence of a deep personal connection, possibly even romantic, Bryson maintains that such conclusions are purely speculative. He emphasizes that these dedications should be viewed primarily in the context of Shakespeare’s broader pursuit of aristocratic patronage.
How Shakespeare Wrote
Shakespeare’s career was marked by an extensive collection of works, including over thirty plays and various poems. While he was known for his rapid and skillful writing abilities, scholars acknowledge that his plays varied in their level of polish and precision.
Bryson emphasizes the impressive range in Shakespeare’s repertoire, noting his skill in creating comedies, histories, and moving tragedies. He also examines the scholarly debate surrounding the chronological order of Shakespeare’s works, discussing the various methods used to determine when each play was written and how they can be analyzed.
Though Shakespeare was prolific and could write quickly, Bryson notes that some plays show evidence of hasty composition and inconsistencies. He suggests that in his later career, Shakespeare may have collaborated with other playwrights on certain works.
While Shakespeare relied heavily on existing source material, he transformed these borrowed elements into literary masterpieces. He frequently incorporated stories, dialogue, and substantial passages from other authors, skillfully weaving them into his original works.
Bryson describes how Shakespeare drew from diverse sources, integrating plots, characters, and significant portions of text as if they were his own. He points out that this practice was common during the era, with Shakespeare’s contemporaries, including Marlowe, following similar conventions.
According to Bryson, Shakespeare’s genius lay in his ability to transform ordinary stories and everyday dialogue into enduring works of art. He cites several examples, including Shakespeare’s adaptation of an Italian tale for Othello and his use of Plutarch’s writings for his plays about Julius Caesar and the story of Antony and Cleopatra.
Shakespeare’s Contributions to the Language
Shakespeare’s profound influence on the English language through his innovative and expressive additions remains universally celebrated. His linguistic legacy includes numerous distinctive words and expressions that continue to serve as a rich source of memorable and symbolic language.
Bill Bryson highlights Shakespeare’s exceptional impact on the evolution of English, noting his remarkable talent for word invention and his willingness to experiment with new linguistic forms and sentence structures. During the sixteenth century, the English vocabulary underwent considerable expansion, with Shakespeare playing a vital role in enriching the language’s diversity.
Bryson emphasizes how Shakespeare’s contributions to modern English have become essential elements of the language. Shakespeare achieved this by incorporating regional dialects, inventively modifying traditional sentence structures, and masterfully employing rhetorical devices. According to Bryson, Shakespeare’s genius manifests not just in his storytelling abilities, but in his lasting influence on the English language itself.
Shakespeare’s Later Life
Shakespeare maintained an active presence in London’s theater world while simultaneously building his wealth through real estate acquisitions and investments in Stratford. His purchase of New Place, a notable Stratford property, along with other significant property dealings, demonstrated his growing financial success.
While committed to his theatrical career in London, Shakespeare remained deeply connected to his birthplace of Stratford, where he directed much of his earnings. His economic ventures included not only the purchase of the distinguished New Place estate but also extensive farming lands and a valuable share of tithes from the local church.
According to Bill Bryson, Shakespeare’s business activities reflected both his financial prosperity and his desire to establish a lasting legacy for his family. Despite his considerable wealth, Shakespeare lived modestly while in London, choosing to stay in rented accommodations rather than purchasing property in the city.
Shakespeare’s Death
Shakespeare’s death, burial, and final bequests remain subjects of historical uncertainty. The exact cause and circumstances of his passing are unknown, and his will contains several puzzling elements, particularly regarding his wife Anne.
The details surrounding Shakespeare’s death are poorly documented, as Bryson notes in his examination of the playwright’s final days. Of particular interest in Shakespeare’s testament is an unusual bequest to his wife: their second-best bed and its accompanying furnishings.
The meaning behind this specific bequest has sparked considerable debate among scholars. Some interpret the gift of the second-best bed as carrying deep sentimental value, while others, including Bryson, view it as an ordinary provision without special significance. The true nature of Shakespeare’s marriage and this final gesture to Anne remains uncertain, as historical evidence is insufficient to support any definitive conclusion.
Shakespeare’s Legacy
Shakespeare’s literary achievements, while recognized during his lifetime, did not receive the full acclaim they deserved until after his death. During his era, contemporaries often favored playwrights like Beaumont and Fletcher over Shakespeare, despite acknowledging his talent for crafting plays.
The journey to Shakespeare’s current status as a literary giant was not immediate or straightforward. Throughout history, his works experienced varying levels of attention – from periods of neglect to times when his plays were modified or incorrectly attributed to others. The turning point came with the publication of the First Folio in 1623, a crucial compilation by John Heminges and Henry Condell that preserved many of Shakespeare’s plays that might otherwise have been lost to time.
From this point forward, appreciation for Shakespeare’s literary contributions grew steadily. His works have maintained their influence through the centuries, continuing to inspire audiences, writers, and scholars alike, cementing his position as one of history’s most significant literary figures.