10 Fun Facts of the Day: Shakespeare

Spelling Bee Nightmare: Believe it or not, there’s no single definitive way to spell Shakespeare’s name. He himself signed documents with various iterations, like “William Shakspere” and “Willm Shakspere.” Consistency wasn’t exactly a hallmark of Elizabethan penmanship, and the Bard himself seemed rather nonchalant about the exact spelling.

Married with Children: At the young age of 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was eight years his senior. They had three children, Susanna and twins Hamnet and Judith.

Lost in Translation (Almost): Two of Shakespeare’s plays, “Hamlet” and “Troilus and Cressida,” were translated into Klingon, the language of the fierce warriors in the Star Trek universe.

Borrower, Not Thief: Shakespeare wasn’t afraid to borrow from existing stories and plots. Many of his plays were inspired by historical accounts, myths, and even earlier works of literature.

A Career Change: Before becoming the renowned playwright, we know, Shakespeare dabbled in various professions, including theatre shareholder and possible glove-maker (thanks to his father’s business).

Lost to Time: It’s believed that Shakespeare wrote many more plays than the 38 that have survived. These lost works were likely never published or performed, or simply succumbed to the ravages of time.

A Curse Upon My Grave: Shakespeare’s tombstone bears an inscription with a chilling curse aimed at anyone who disturbs his bones. Thankfully, no grave robber has dared to test its validity.

More Than Just Words: Shakespeare is credited with inventing or introducing over 1,700 words into the English language. His rich vocabulary continues to influence our speech and writing today.

Shakespearean Insults: While his sonnets may be known for their romantic language, Shakespeare wasn’t above a good verbal jab. His plays are littered with clever and often hilarious insults, offering a glimpse into Elizabethan wit.

Bardolatry: A Global Phenomenon: Shakespeare’s influence transcends national borders. His plays are performed and studied all over the world, a testament to the universality of his themes and characters.

So, the next time you encounter a Shakespearean sonnet or witness a performance of one of his timeless plays, remember these fun facts! They offer a glimpse into the life of the Bard, a man who continues to inspire and entertain audiences across generations.

Reference Links

Shakespeare’s Language