William Shakespeare, the renowned playwright, poet, and actor, remains one of the most influential figures in the history of English literature. His legacy, which spans over four centuries, continues to shape the world of literature, theatre, and even language itself. However, the question of what name Shakespeare called himself—particularly in relation to his use of different names and identities—has long been a topic of discussion among scholars, historians, and enthusiasts alike. To explore this question, we must first take a closer look at Shakespeare’s life, his works, and the varied ways in which he referred to himself.
Early Life and Background
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564. Little is known about his early life, but the historical record provides some clues. His father, John Shakespeare, was a respected citizen and a glove-maker, while his mother, Mary Arden, came from a prominent family. Shakespeare’s education was likely at the local grammar school, where he would have received a classical education in Latin and the works of ancient authors such as Homer, Virgil, and Ovid.
Shakespeare’s professional life, as far as we know, began in London, where he became involved in the theatre scene. By the late 1580s, he had made a name for himself as both a playwright and actor. His early works, such as Henry VI and The Taming of the Shrew, were well-received, and by 1592, Shakespeare had gained enough recognition for a rival playwright, Robert Greene, to mock him in print. However, even at this stage, Shakespeare had already begun to use his name in various forms and identities, and this usage would become more complex over time.
The Name “William Shakespeare” and Its Significance
The name “William Shakespeare” is the most widely recognized of all the names associated with the playwright. It is the name under which all his plays, sonnets, and poems were published, and it is the name that survives to this day. However, we must acknowledge that the name “William Shakespeare” is more than just a simple label—it carries with it a complex web of meanings and implications.
The name itself has been subject to much scrutiny, and some scholars have questioned whether the person we think of as Shakespeare was truly the same person who wrote the works attributed to him. There have been various theories about the true identity of Shakespeare, with some suggesting that the works were written by other authors, such as Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, or Sir Francis Bacon. While these theories have been largely discredited, they point to the deeper question of identity and authorship in Shakespeare’s time.
It is also worth noting that the name “William Shakespeare” was not an uncommon one during the period in which he lived. Records show that there were several individuals with the same name in England during the Elizabethan era. This has led some scholars to speculate that the name itself may have been more of a pseudonym or a stage name than a reflection of a single individual. However, there is no definitive evidence to support this claim, and it is generally accepted that Shakespeare’s full name was indeed William Shakespeare.
The Use of Pen Names in the Elizabethan Era
During Shakespeare’s time, the use of pen names or pseudonyms was not uncommon among writers and playwrights. In fact, many of Shakespeare’s contemporaries, such as Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, and John Lyly, also used different names when publishing their works. This practice was often a way for writers to protect their personal identities, avoid censorship, or simply create a more marketable persona.
Shakespeare, too, may have employed pseudonyms at various points in his career. Some of his works were published without his name attached to them, and in a few cases, other names were used in place of “William Shakespeare.” For example, the first edition of Venus and Adonis, published in 1593, includes the name “William Shakespeare” on the title page, but other early publications, such as the 1594 edition of The Rape of Lucrece, list the author as “W. Shakespeare” or “W. S.” This may have been a deliberate attempt to maintain anonymity or create a sense of mystique around the writer.
Additionally, the use of initials in place of a full name was common during this time. The works attributed to “W. S.” may have been a reference to Shakespeare’s initials rather than his full name. This could also explain why some of the plays published during Shakespeare’s lifetime did not bear his full name on the title pages. It is possible that the use of initials was a way for Shakespeare to separate his literary identity from his personal life, especially as he was often involved in the political and social circles of the time.
Shakespeare and the Acting World
The question of Shakespeare’s identity is further complicated by his involvement in the acting world. In addition to his work as a playwright, Shakespeare was a member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a prominent acting troupe that performed his plays on the London stage. As an actor, Shakespeare may have used other names or assumed different personas on stage. It was not uncommon for actors to perform under stage names or alter egos, especially in a time when theatrical performance was seen as a lower form of entertainment and actors were often considered to be of lesser social standing.
It is possible that Shakespeare’s involvement in the acting world influenced the way he presented himself in public and in his writing. As an actor, Shakespeare may have used his stage name in much the same way that modern actors adopt pseudonyms to create a specific persona. This could explain why there are so few surviving records of Shakespeare’s personal life, as he may have deliberately distanced himself from his public persona as a playwright.
Furthermore, Shakespeare’s name was often used by others in the acting world. For example, the publisher Richard Field, who was responsible for printing many of Shakespeare’s early works, may have used Shakespeare’s name as a marketing tool to attract readers. This was a common practice at the time, as a well-known name could sell books more easily. In this sense, Shakespeare’s name may have become a commodity in and of itself, with his works being marketed and sold under his name regardless of whether he had any direct involvement in their publication.
Shakespeare’s Legacy and the Evolution of His Name
As time passed, Shakespeare’s name became synonymous with literary greatness. His works, which range from tragedies like Hamlet and Macbeth to comedies such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night, have been performed, adapted, and analyzed countless times. However, as Shakespeare’s fame grew, so too did the myth surrounding his name and his identity.
The use of Shakespeare’s name in popular culture has only intensified over the centuries. Today, the name “Shakespeare” is not just a historical figure but a symbol of artistic achievement and intellectual prowess. His works have been translated into virtually every language, and his influence can be seen in countless forms of modern entertainment, from theatre and film to literature and music. In this sense, Shakespeare’s name has transcended its original meaning and become a cultural touchstone.
Yet, despite his immense popularity, Shakespeare’s true identity remains elusive. The lack of concrete biographical information about the playwright has led to speculation and intrigue, with some even questioning whether he wrote all of the works attributed to him. This mystery surrounding his identity only serves to enhance the allure of Shakespeare’s name. It is as if the very ambiguity of his persona contributes to the timeless appeal of his works.
Conclusion
So, what name did Shakespeare call himself? The simple answer is that he called himself “William Shakespeare.” This was the name he used for his published works, and it is the name that has become synonymous with literary genius. However, the deeper question of Shakespeare’s identity remains more complicated. Shakespeare may have used different names, pseudonyms, and initials throughout his career to protect his personal identity, maintain anonymity, or create a specific public persona.
Ultimately, the question of what name Shakespeare called himself is part of a larger mystery that surrounds his life and works. Whether or not we will ever know the full truth about Shakespeare’s personal identity is uncertain, but one thing is clear: his name, in whatever form it took, will continue to be associated with some of the greatest literary achievements in human history. The very ambiguity of Shakespeare’s identity only adds to the allure and mystique of his legacy, making his name one of the most enduring in the world of literature.
