New research is shaking the foundations of the long-held belief that William Shakespeare was an uncaring husband to his wife, Anne Hathaway. Initially, Shakespeare married Anne when he was just 18, while she was in her mid-20s and pregnant. Historically, it has been assumed that Shakespeare abandoned his wife and children for a more exciting life in London, a narrative supported by impactful 19th-century essays that branded Anne a "distant encumbrance.”
Matthew Steggle, a literature professor at the University of Bristol, argues that this traditional portrayal is misleading. His findings, set to be published in the journal Shakespeare, highlight an overlooked 17th-century letter addressed to a “Mrs. Shakspaire,” which was initially noted by an amateur historian in 1978. As technology improved, further examination revealed fragments of what might be a response from Anne herself.
Steggle was puzzled as to why this vital piece of correspondence had not seen greater scholarly attention. His investigation not only resurrected the long-forgotten letter but also utilized modern advances to trace references made within it, challenging the narrative of Shakespeare's detachment from family life. These insights raise important questions about the personal life of one of history's most celebrated playwrights and suggest a deeper connection to his wife than previously thought.
