The Death of William Shakespeare

The Death of William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is one of, if not the worlds most revered English writers. His works have inspired many to write and follow in his footsteps, and break new ground in terms of ingenuity and innovation. As described in The Anxiety of Influence, by Harold Bloom, that Shakespeare's works will never be subjugated. His works could never be looked at as second best and should be praised for his enterprise.(Bloom)

If we are to talk about the death of superlative writer of all time, we might as well start at the beginning of the end. The date is November 28th,1582, The Bishop of Worcester issues a marriage license to the young Bard of 18 years old, and to his newly wed wife, Anne Hathaway of 26 years old. There is some controversy as to whether was in love with two women, both with the name Anne. There are records of a Anne Whateley which may be a mistake for Hathway as the clerk was described as a “nincompoop”. There is also another theory of there being another Wm Shaxpere and the Annam Whateley to be married in Temple Grafton, and the Wm Shagspere and Anne Hathwey who were to married in Stratford. Although this debate relies on the assumption that William had a relative of his staying in Temple Grafton, or that another man with a similar name was staying there, both being far fetched. Now to me the more believable of the theories, was that William Shakespeare was a fancy man, and there was two different Annes’, Whateley and Hathaway. This portrays Shakespeare as being torn in two, on one hand he has Whateley, which evidence suggest that he planned to marry her first, then on the other he had the moral obligation to wed Hathaway who was with child, which was in all likelihood his. Neverless Willia...

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..., Henry VII and Two Noble Kinsmen. Tragically the Globe Theater catches fire during the play of Henry VII and burns to ashes and it only grows worse for Shakespeare. On March 25, 1616 a feeble Shakespeare calls for his lawyer to make some minor changes to his will. The odd changes included were leaveing his “second best bed” to his wife and £10 to the poor. On his 52nd Birthday William Shakespeare succombes to a unknown illness on April 23, 1616. He was buried in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford, the very same church he was baptized.

Shakespeare's death at the age of 52 still remains a mystery, but given the time he lives in with numerous disease giving the average life expectancy of 35 years, Shakespeare fared quite well. He left behind one of the greatest legacies, and his excogitation was unparalleled. His works will live on for Eons and will never be forgotten.