What Did Shakespeare Leave His Wife in His Will?

William Shakespeare, the renowned English playwright and poet, is known for his timeless works that have shaped the literary landscape for centuries. However, there is much speculation and curiosity surrounding what Shakespeare left behind for his wife, Anne Hathaway, in his last will and testament. In this article, we will delve into the details and explore the various aspects related to Shakespeare’s bequests to his beloved wife.

1. Introduction to Shakespeare’s Will

Shakespeare’s last will and testament, drafted on March 25, 1616, just a month before his death, is a significant document that provides insights into his personal life, relationships, and wealth distribution. The will consists of numerous bequests to family members, friends, and even fellow actors. Among these beneficiaries is Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife.

1.1 Background of Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway, born in 1555, was eight years older than Shakespeare and hailed from Shottery, a small village near Stratford-upon-Avon. She married Shakespeare in 1582 when he was just 18 years old, and she was already expecting their first child, Susanna. The couple went on to have two more children, twins named Hamnet and Judith.

2. The Bequest to Anne Hathaway

Shakespeare’s will makes a specific provision for his wife, Anne Hathaway. However, the bequest to her is relatively modest compared to other beneficiaries mentioned in the document. Let’s explore the details of what Shakespeare left his wife in his will:

2.1 The “Second Best Bed”

One of the most intriguing aspects of Shakespeare’s will is the bequest of his “second best bed” to Anne Hathaway. This particular bequest has sparked much debate and speculation among scholars and Shakespeare enthusiasts.

It is important to note that the “second best bed” is the only mention of Anne Hathaway in the will, which has led some to believe that Shakespeare’s relationship with his wife was not as strong or affectionate as one might expect. However, it is crucial to consider the historical context and legal conventions of the time before drawing any conclusions.

2.1.1 The Symbolic Value

While the mention of the “second best bed” may seem underwhelming, it is essential to understand the symbolic value attached to it. During the Elizabethan era, beds were significant indicators of social status and wealth. The best bed in a household was typically reserved for guests or special occasions, while the second best bed was typically the marital bed.

Therefore, the bequest of the “second best bed” to Anne Hathaway can be seen as a symbolic gesture that acknowledged their marital bond and the intimate space they shared together. It may have held sentimental value for both Shakespeare and his wife.

2.1.2 Legal Considerations

Another aspect to consider is the legal framework of the time. In Elizabethan England, the law of dower provided widows with certain rights to their deceased husband’s property. This means that Anne Hathaway would have been entitled to a portion of Shakespeare’s estate, regardless of the specific bequest mentioned in the will.

Additionally, the “second best bed” bequest may have been a customary practice rather than an intentional snub. The main focus of the will was to distribute Shakespeare’s real estate, money, and investments, which were considerably more valuable than household furnishings.

3. Speculations and Interpretations

Over the years, several speculations and interpretations have emerged regarding Shakespeare’s bequest to his wife. Let’s explore some of the popular theories:

3.1 The Romantic Gesture Theory

One theory suggests that the bequest of the “second best bed” was a romantic gesture by Shakespeare. The marital bed held great sentimental value, and by leaving it to Anne Hathaway, he may have been expressing his affection and love for her.

3.2 The Practical Explanation Theory

Another theory posits a more practical explanation for the bequest. As mentioned earlier, the main focus of Shakespeare’s will was to distribute his real estate and financial assets. The “second best bed” may have been the most personal item mentioned in the will and was thus selected as a bequest to Anne Hathaway.

3.3 The Customary Practice Theory

Some scholars argue that leaving the “second best bed” to the wife was a customary practice during that era. It may not have been unusual or disrespectful, but rather a reflection of societal norms and conventions regarding inheritance and marital property.

4. Conclusion

In conclusion, Shakespeare’s will provides a glimpse into his personal relationships and the bequest to his wife, Anne Hathaway. While the mention of the “second best bed” may not appear significant at first, it holds symbolic value and should be understood within the historical context and legal conventions of the time. The bequest is not necessarily indicative of a strained relationship but rather a customary and practical provision. Ultimately, the true nature of Shakespeare’s intentions may remain a mystery, and interpretations may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: Why did Shakespeare only leave his wife the “second best bed”?

Shakespeare’s bequest of the “second best bed” to his wife has sparked much speculation. While the exact reason is unknown, it is crucial to consider the symbolic value of the bed and the legal considerations at the time. The bequest may not indicate a strained relationship but rather a customary or practical provision.

FAQ 2: Did Anne Hathaway receive any other bequests in Shakespeare’s will?

The “second best bed” is the only specific mention of Anne Hathaway in Shakespeare’s will. However, it is important to note that widows were entitled to a portion of their deceased husband’s estate under the law of dower, which means that Anne Hathaway would have received a share of Shakespeare’s assets.

FAQ 3: What was the significance of beds during Shakespeare’s time?

Beds held significant social and symbolic value during the Elizabethan era. The best bed in a household was typically reserved for guests or special occasions, while the second best bed was typically the marital bed. Therefore, the bequest of the “second best bed” to Anne Hathaway can be seen as a symbolic gesture of their marital bond and shared intimate space.

FAQ 4: Was the bequest of the “second best bed” customary during that time?

While there is no definitive evidence to support this, some scholars argue that leaving the “second best bed” to the wife was a customary practice during the Elizabethan era. It may have been a reflection of societal norms and conventions regarding inheritance and marital property.

FAQ 5: Was Shakespeare’s relationship with his wife strained?

The nature of Shakespeare’s relationship with his wife, Anne Hathaway, remains a subject of speculation. While the bequest of the “second best bed” has been interpreted by some as indicative of a strained relationship, it is important to avoid making definitive conclusions based solely on this single bequest. Historical context and legal considerations are crucial in understanding the dynamics of their relationship.

FAQ 6: What other bequests did Shakespeare make in his will?

Shakespeare’s will includes numerous bequests to family members, friends, and fellow actors. Some notable beneficiaries mentioned in the document include his daughter Susanna, his sister Joan, and his fellow actors John Heminges and Henry Condell.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the bequest of the “second best bed” to Anne Hathaway in Shakespeare’s will remains an intriguing aspect of the playwright’s legacy. While it may not be a lavish or extravagant bequest, it holds significant symbolic value and should be viewed within the historical and legal context of the time. The true nature of Shakespeare’s intentions may remain a mystery, leaving room for speculation and interpretation.

Sebastian Gutierrez