Was William Shakespeare Involved with Bad People or Possibly Murdered?

William Shakespeare, the renowned English playwright and poet, has enchanted and intrigued audiences for centuries. But even amongst scholars and enthusiasts, questions persist about his involvement with "bad people" and the circumstances surrounding his death. This article aims to shed light on these intriguing queries.

Was Shakespeare Involved with Bad People?

The query of whether Shakespeare was involved with "bad people" is a complex one. Determining who qualifies as a "bad person" and what constitutes "involvement" can be challenging. Shakespeare's life involved various legal proceedings, including lawsuits. For instance, he was involved in some civil cases in the courts. Did these cases involve individuals who were considered "bad"? Such a determination would require a definition of "bad" and a detailed examination of the nature of each case.

Legal and Litigious History

Shakespeare was involved in legal disputes, such as when he sued Thomas Mills for a debt in 1611 or when he was allegedly involved in a lawsuit against his father-in-law John Hall (a suggestion that lacks substantial evidence). Court involvement does not necessarily mean direct association or involvement with a "bad person."

The Hypothesis of Dr. John Hall

C. Martin Mitchell, in his comprehensive biography of Dr. John Hall, a physician and son-in-law of Shakespeare, suggests a more intriguing hypothesis regarding Shakespeare's health and its potential connection to his legal and theatrical activities. Mitchell posits that an image in the First Folio, attributed to Martin Droeshout, shows significant shading, which may indicate thickening of the left temporal artery, a sign of atheroma and arteriosclerosis. He further speculates that such physical attributes are common among individuals who have experienced prolonged mental and physical strain.

Was Shakespeare Murdered?

Another mystery surrounding Shakespeare is the question of whether he was murdered. Despite the dedication of many scholars and the scrutiny of historical accounts, there is no clear evidence to support this theory. The most common interpretations of his death remain rooted in historical records and the accounts of John Ward, the vicar of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, which state that Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616.

Shakespeare's Death: A Recorded Mystery

The exact cause of Shakespeare's death remains unknown. The entry in John Ward's diary, written fifty years after Shakespeare's death, suggests that Shakespeare died of natural causes. Ward’s account does not provide any hint of murder or foul play, making it challenging to definitively conclude anything based on this sole piece of evidence.

Supporting Evidence and Hypotheses

Certain hypotheses and theories have been proposed to explain Shakespeare's death. For example, C. Martin Mitchell offers a hypothesis based on the frontispiece in the First Folio. He suggests that the shading in the image could indicate atherosclerosis, a condition associated with prolonged mental and physical strain. Furthermore, Mitchell points to the death of Richard Burbage, Shakespeare's contemporary, who also died of a similar condition after only 24 hours of being unwell.

Shakespeare's Long and Healthy Life

Despite the numerous diseases and illnesses that could shorten a Londoner's life expectancy during his time, Shakespeare fared relatively well. His life spanned 52 years, which was notable considering the life expectancy of a Londoner at the time was only 35 years. Shakespeare led a relatively long and healthy life, particularly given the prevalence of diseases like the plague, syphilis, typhus, and malaria in his era.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the questions about Shakespeare's involvement with "bad people" and the circumstances surrounding his death remain intriguing but largely unanswered. While there is no concrete evidence to suggest that he was murdered, the mystery of his death continues to fascinate researchers and casual readers alike. Shakespeare's enduring legacy is a testament to his timeless works and the enduring fascination with his life and times.

References

The above information is derived from historical records and scholarly works, including C. Martin Mitchell's biography of Dr. John Hall, the physician and son-in-law of William Shakespeare. For further reading, consult primary sources and reputable historical texts.