FREE ESSAY ON A TRYING RELATIONSHIP

A TRYING RELATIONSHIP

The history of William Shakespeare, poet and playwright, is anything but one free of
controversy. There are several arguments challenging his very existence. Over the years,
every aspect of his life has been studied and researched comprehensively. One of the most
intriguing aspects of his life undoubtedly is his relationship with his wife and his
various love affairs. This essay aims to highlight and analyze the environment
surrounding his marriage and attempt to compare it with information presented in the
screenplay.
The various scholars who have involved themselves in bringing to life his past have come
up with stirring evidence about his marriage. What is for certain is the fact that
Shakespeare did marry a certain Anne Hathaway. On November 28, 1582 the Bishop of
Worcester issued the marriage bond for 'William Shagspere' and 'Ann Hathwey of Stratford'
This was almost beyond doubt, Anne Hathaway, daughter of Richard Hathaway of Shottery
(1582 Marriage). This quote not only confirms this fact, but also gives us the most
accurate known date of Shakespeare's wedding. However, some records have changed the
whole story surrounding Shakespeare's marriage. Ivor Brown, in his book Shakespeare,
traces the circumstances that led up to the marriage. William Shakespeare may not have
married Anne Hathaway out of choice. On November 27, 1582, an entry was made in the
Episcopal register at Worcester. This set down the issue of a marriage license to William
Shaxpere and Anne Whatley of Temple Grafton. On the next day, two yeomen of Stratford,
Fulk Sandells and John Richardson, agreed to pay forty pounds should any legal
consideration arise to prevent the marriage of William Shagspere and Anne Hathway of
Worcester. (Brown 45)
The first theory that can be proposed after reading the excerpt is that an error occurred
in the recording of the wedding and was promptly taken care of the next day. But, what if
Anne Whatley really did exist? After all, the excerpt does claim that the two Annes were
from different towns. It isn't hard to tribute an affair to Shakespeare at all.
Shakespeare didn't need looks to captivate a lady's heart. Over the years, he has
captured the hearts of millions worldwide with his penmanship. Arguably, such a man
could, at that young an age, have easily seduced several women with the magic of his
words. And, even though he is some ten years older in the screenplay, Norman and Stoppard
have done a brilliant job of portraying Will as an individual brimming with passion and
lust in the screenplay. 
Though a mix up in names was commonplace of that time, it is unlikely that it took place
in this instance. Hathaway and Whatley are wholly different names and Temple Grafton
could certainly not have been penned down as Stratford. Now however sleepy a clerk may
have become during the course of his day's penmanship and its refreshment intervals, it
is extremely unlikely that he would transliterate Temple Grafton into Stratford (Brown
48). This bit of evidence may be the clue that suggests the possibility of Anne Whatley's
existence. Had there been an Anne Whatley from Temple Grafton and an Anne Hathaway, from
Stratford, it would give a juicy twist to the story of William Shakespeare, the lover!
But, we can only speculate as to what the truth actually was. Perhaps, Shakespeare had
intended to marry Whatley all the way and an irresistible Hathaway had suddenly walked
into his life. Another possibility could be that the playwright was having an affair with
both women at the same time and had made false promises to both. And, the reason he ended
up marrying Hathaway was that she was three months pregnant.  . . . because the bride was
some three months pregnant and there was reason for haste in concluding the marriage
(1582 Marriage). This corresponds with what Will tells Dr. Moth in the screenplay. So, we
arrive at the conclusion that Shakespeare did not marry Anne Hathaway by choice. This
would obviously imply that the relationship would not be a happy one and would in fact be
short-lived. Hence, we return to Will's statement in the screenplay about the detached
relationship between him and his wife. WILL: Four years and a hundred miles away in
Stratford. A cold bed too, since the twins were born. Banishment was a blessing (12).
This statement not only describes the emptiness between the couple, but also runs
parallel with the possibility that Will indeed never wanted Hathaway as his wife. Another
strong pillar supporting this theory is a statement from Shakespeare's will. In his will,
Shakespeare left Anne only his second-best bed. The exact significance of this is
uncertain. Sometimes it has been interpreted as a derisory gesture. (Wells 69) This may
suggest that another woman (perhaps an unknown mistress) was Shakespeare's first choice
in bed. Any feelings beyond that cannot be inferred from this small piece of
information.
This would lead us to believe that a very powerful theory about the history of
Shakespeare's marriage may be proposed using these excerpts. Right from the presumption
that he was an ardent young man caught by the worst sort of trap (the lifetime bond of
marriage) to the supposition that he chose to break free from the relationship because
his nature forbade him to accept such a verdict. William Shakespeare, I believe, was a
lover. The fact that he would have to spend the rest of his life with a woman who would
not keep their relationship brisk for long did not appeal to him. And, that is when
Norman and Stoppard's Will was born. 
Bibliography
Brown, Ivor Shakespeare
New York: Time Incorporated, 1962
Norman, Marc and Tom Stoppard Shakespeare in Love
New York: Miramax Films and Universal Studios, 1998
Terry A. Gray 1582 Marriage Shakespeare Timeline.
http://daphne.palomar.edu/shakespeare/timeline/marriage.html. (9/14/99)
Wells, Stanley Shakespeare, An Illustrated Dictionary
New York: Oxford University Press, 1978