William Shakespeare, one of the most celebrated playwrights and poets in history, lived a life that continues to inspire countless individuals across the globe. Though his works have been read and performed for centuries, the details of Shakespeare’s life, including the cause of his death, remain somewhat of a mystery. While his plays and poems are rich with human emotion, exploring themes of love, ambition, and tragedy, little is known about the final years of his life and what led to his death.
This article will explore the possible causes of Shakespeare’s death, considering both historical context and the theories proposed by scholars. It will also examine the available evidence regarding his health, his final days, and how his death impacted the literary world. Through this exploration, we can gain a better understanding of Shakespeare’s life and his lasting legacy.
The Historical Context of Shakespeare’s Death
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564 and was baptized on April 26 of that year. He was active as a playwright, poet, and actor during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, a period that saw great change in English society and culture. Shakespeare’s works—his sonnets, tragedies, comedies, and histories—captured the essence of human experience and have been performed and read for centuries.
Shakespeare’s death is commonly believed to have occurred on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52. The date of his death is significant because it also coincides with the date of his birth, making it a notable moment in literary history. However, many details surrounding his final days remain unclear, and several theories have been put forth regarding the exact cause of his death.
Shakespeare’s Health in His Final Years
Before delving into the possible causes of Shakespeare’s death, it is important to consider the state of his health in his later years. By the time of his death, Shakespeare had achieved considerable fame and wealth as a playwright and shareholder in the Globe Theatre. However, despite his success, Shakespeare did not live in a time with advanced medical knowledge, and healthcare options were limited.
In the years leading up to his death, Shakespeare appears to have retired from public life. He left London, where he had spent much of his career as a playwright and actor, and returned to Stratford-upon-Avon. This move may have been prompted by a variety of factors, including health concerns, the desire for a more tranquil life, and perhaps even a desire to spend his remaining years with his family.
Shakespeare’s declining health is inferred from several sources, including his will, which was written in 1616, shortly before his death. In his will, Shakespeare bequeathed various items to his family and friends, and notably, he left his “second-best bed” to his wife, Anne Hathaway. Some have speculated that this may suggest Shakespeare was not in the best of health when he wrote the will, but there is no direct evidence of illness in the document itself.
Theories About Shakespeare’s Cause of Death
Over the centuries, many theories have emerged about what may have led to Shakespeare’s death. The most popular theories include natural causes such as illness or disease, as well as some more speculative explanations. Below, we explore these theories in detail.
1. Illness or Disease
The most widely accepted explanation for Shakespeare’s death is that he succumbed to an illness or disease. In the 16th and early 17th centuries, England was plagued by numerous outbreaks of deadly diseases, including the plague and a variety of viral and bacterial infections. Given the lack of medical knowledge at the time, many people died from illnesses that would be easily treatable today.
One theory is that Shakespeare may have died from a fever brought on by an infection, possibly linked to the many diseases that ravaged London and surrounding areas during the early 1600s. Typhoid fever, a bacterial infection often transmitted through contaminated food or water, was common at the time and could have been a contributing factor to Shakespeare’s death.
Another plausible theory is that Shakespeare died from the plague, which had been a recurring problem in London during the 16th and 17th centuries. Plague outbreaks were particularly deadly, and many people perished from the disease, which was spread by fleas and rats. The playhouses, including the Globe Theatre, were often closed during periods of plague, and there was widespread fear of infection. While there is no concrete evidence that Shakespeare died specifically from the plague, some historians have pointed to the timing of his death as a clue.
In addition to the plague and fevers, there were several other diseases common at the time that could have contributed to Shakespeare’s death. These include pneumonia, tuberculosis, and dysentery—conditions that could result in death, especially for individuals in poor health or advanced age.
2. Alcohol-Related Illness
Another theory that has gained some traction is the suggestion that Shakespeare may have died as a result of excessive drinking. In his later years, Shakespeare lived in a time when alcohol consumption, particularly wine and beer, was widespread and often a part of daily life. Some scholars have speculated that Shakespeare may have had a propensity for drinking, which could have led to liver damage, cirrhosis, or other alcohol-related diseases.
While there is no direct evidence linking Shakespeare’s drinking habits to his death, the theory is not entirely implausible. Heavy drinking was common in Elizabethan England, and Shakespeare, who was frequently in social circles where drinking was prevalent, may have been affected by its long-term consequences. Given the lack of medical knowledge about the effects of alcohol on the body at the time, this could have contributed to his demise.
3. Stroke or Heart Attack
Another theory posits that Shakespeare may have died from a stroke or heart attack. Both of these conditions are common causes of death today and were also prevalent in the early 1600s, especially for individuals who lived relatively sedentary lives and had a poor diet. Shakespeare, who had spent many years living in London and writing plays, may have suffered from stress or other health complications that could have contributed to a stroke or heart attack.
The idea of Shakespeare suffering from a stroke or heart attack is further supported by the lack of any recorded illness before his death. Some historians believe that Shakespeare’s sudden death may have been the result of a medical condition like a stroke, which can strike without warning and often results in a rapid decline in health.
4. A Sudden Decline: The “Drunken Night” Theory
One of the more colorful theories surrounding Shakespeare’s death is the “drunken night” theory. According to this theory, Shakespeare may have died after a night of heavy drinking with fellow playwrights and actors. This idea was popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly by the writer and critic Charles Knight, who suggested that Shakespeare’s excessive drinking on the night before his death led to a fever that ultimately claimed his life.
While this theory has been largely discredited by modern scholars, it remains a part of the folklore surrounding Shakespeare’s death. The idea of Shakespeare dying from an overindulgence in alcohol fits the image of a playwright who was a part of the lively social scene of Elizabethan England. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory, and it is generally regarded as speculative.
5. A Natural Death: The Inevitable End
Finally, it is possible that Shakespeare’s death was simply the result of old age and natural causes. Shakespeare was 52 years old at the time of his death, which was not an uncommon age for people to pass away in the early 1600s, especially given the lack of modern medical care. Many people in Shakespeare’s time lived relatively short lives, and 52 was considered middle-aged for someone of his social standing.
The absence of any clear cause of death, combined with the fact that Shakespeare had retired from public life for several years before his death, suggests that he may have simply succumbed to the natural process of aging. It is possible that Shakespeare’s death was a quiet and unremarkable one, with no major illness or dramatic event leading to his passing.
The Impact of Shakespeare’s Death
Shakespeare’s death marked the end of an era in English literature. While his works continued to be performed and read, his death left a void in the world of theater and poetry. The literary world, particularly in London, was deeply affected by the loss of such a brilliant mind. Shakespeare’s works continued to be celebrated by generations of writers, actors, and scholars, and his influence on literature and culture remains profound to this day.
The Legacy of Shakespeare
Though the cause of Shakespeare’s death remains a mystery, the impact of his work is undeniable. His plays, poems, and sonnets have shaped the course of English literature and theater, influencing countless writers and playwrights. Shakespeare’s exploration of human nature, his use of language, and his timeless themes continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while we may never know the exact cause of William Shakespeare’s death, it is clear that his legacy is far more important than the circumstances surrounding his passing. His works continue to be celebrated, studied, and performed, ensuring that his influence will endure for generations to come.
