Recent research reveals that a long-overlooked letter may alter perceptions of Shakespeare's marriage, suggesting he was more connected to Anne Hathaway than the stereotype of a distant husband portrays.
New Findings Challenge Narrative of Shakespeare's Marriage to Anne Hathaway
New Findings Challenge Narrative of Shakespeare's Marriage to Anne Hathaway
A neglected 17th-century letter implies a deeper connection between Shakespeare and his wife, Anne, than previously thought.
In a surprising twist to the long-standing narrative surrounding William Shakespeare's marriage, new analysis has emerged from a neglected 17th-century letter that shifts the perception of his relationship with his wife, Anne Hathaway. Traditionally viewed as a neglectful husband who abandoned his family for a life of literary fame in London, recent findings challenge this portrayal.
Shakespeare wed Anne in 1582 when he was just 18 years old, while Anne was in her mid-20s and pregnant. For centuries, scholars have suggested that he left behind a troubled domestic life, reinforced by the notion that his wife was an “encumbrance.” Critics pointed to the famous line in his will, where he left her “his second best bed,” as evidence of his lack of affection.
However, Matthew Steggle, a literature professor at the University of Bristol, has conducted an analysis that undermines this long-held belief. He examined a letter fragment addressed to “Mrs. Shakspaire,” discovered in the binding of a 1608 book. Although this letter was first noted by an amateur historian in 1978, its significance remained overlooked, even after the book was unbound in 2016 revealing aspects of a response likely penned by Shakespeare's wife.
While working on a biography of Shakespeare, Steggle found this revelation astonishing and noted that advancements in technology empowered him to trace individuals mentioned within the historical correspondence. His research suggests a much closer bond between Shakespeare and Anne than previously considered, potentially rewriting the narrative of their marital dynamic.
This new perspective invites a deeper exploration of Shakespeare's life and challenges scholars to rethink the complexities of marital relationships in the context of his literary genius. The ongoing study will be published this week in the academic journal Shakespeare, marking a pivotal moment in Shakespearean scholarship.
