Recent analysis of a previously overlooked document has the potential to alter the long-standing narrative regarding William Shakespeare's marriage. The document, a fragment of a 17th-century letter addressed to a "Mrs. Shakspaire," was found within the binding of a book published in 1608 and has sparked renewed interest among scholars.
Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway in 1582 when he was 18 and she was in her mid-20s and pregnant. For centuries, it was believed that Shakespeare abandoned his family for a literary career in London, with some scholars portraying Hathaway as a burdensome figure in his life. This perception was further reinforced by Shakespeare's will, which famously left her his "second best bed."
However, Matthew Steggle, a literature professor at the University of Bristol, argues that his new research suggests a different narrative. The letter, which had been noted in 1978 but received little attention, may indicate that Hathaway was more involved in Shakespeare's life than previously thought, possibly even residing in London with him at some point.
Steggle's findings suggest that Hathaway's return to Stratford around 1607 may have been influenced by external factors, including a severe plague outbreak in London and the impending birth of their first grandchild. He posits that rather than being absent from her husband's life, Hathaway's movements should be viewed in the context of her potential presence in London.
The letter discusses financial matters concerning a fatherless child named John, who was an apprentice, and indicates that Hathaway was involved in social and business networks alongside her husband. This challenges the traditional view of their relationship and suggests a more complex dynamic.
Steggle's research aligns with contemporary feminist interpretations of Shakespeare's life and has been reflected in popular culture, such as the musical “& Juliet” and the novel “Hamnet,” both of which explore the intricacies of Shakespeare and Hathaway's relationship.
Overall, the newly analyzed letter raises significant questions about the nature of Shakespeare's marriage and the historical narrative surrounding it, posing challenges to biographers who have relied on the idea of a "disastrous marriage." Steggle concludes that this document presents a compelling case for reevaluating the couple's partnership and their shared experiences.