William Shakespeare, often regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language, remains one of the most influential figures in world literature. His works, such as Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and King Lear, have not only shaped English literature but have also profoundly influenced theatre, philosophy, and culture across the globe. However, there exists a significant gap in his biography, often referred to as the “lost years.” This period, between 1585 and 1592, remains shrouded in mystery, with very little documentary evidence to explain Shakespeare’s activities during this time.
This article delves into the enigma of Shakespeare’s lost years. It explores the various theories and speculations that have emerged about what Shakespeare may have been doing during this period, examines the historical context of the time, and discusses why this gap in his life has generated so much intrigue among scholars, biographers, and fans of his work.
The Historical Context: Shakespeare’s Early Life
To understand the significance of the lost years, it is crucial to first examine what is known about Shakespeare’s early life. Born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare was the son of John Shakespeare, a glove-maker and local official, and Mary Arden, from a respected family of landowners. He was baptized on April 26, 1564, with his birthdate traditionally celebrated on April 23, a date he shares with St. George, the patron saint of England, and possibly marking his own symbolic connection to the nation.
Shakespeare likely attended the local grammar school, the King’s New School, where he would have received an education that included Latin, rhetoric, and classical literature, subjects that were central to education at the time. This background would later prove essential in his understanding of language, history, and mythology, all of which influenced his literary works.
In 1582, at the age of 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years his senior, and together they had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. The family life is relatively well-documented, but after the birth of his twins in 1585, there is a dramatic lack of records about Shakespeare’s personal life, creating the first real mystery of the lost years.
The Gap Between 1585 and 1592: What We Know
While we know that Shakespeare was born in 1564 and had children by 1585, the period between 1585 and 1592 remains largely unexplored in the historical record. The next significant reference to Shakespeare appears in 1592, when the playwright was already established in London as an actor and writer. This gap of approximately seven years, in which there are no surviving documents connecting Shakespeare to his family or his work, has been the subject of much speculation.
Several key questions arise during this period: Where was Shakespeare? What was he doing? How did he transition from a relatively unknown provincial playwright to the celebrated figure who became the cornerstone of Elizabethan theatre?
Theories About Shakespeare’s Lost Years
Numerous theories have been proposed to explain Shakespeare’s activities during the lost years. Scholars have explored a variety of potential explanations, from Shakespeare’s involvement in the theatrical world to more dramatic possibilities, such as him having spent time traveling or even studying in Europe. Let’s explore some of the most prominent theories.
1. Shakespeare as a Schoolmaster or Teacher
One of the most commonly proposed theories is that Shakespeare spent the lost years as a schoolteacher or tutor. Given the educational background he would have had at the King’s New School, it is conceivable that he might have taken on a teaching role, possibly in a private school or even tutoring the children of local aristocrats.
This theory is supported by the fact that many of Shakespeare’s plays demonstrate an extensive knowledge of classical literature, history, and rhetoric, areas typically taught in grammar schools at the time. Shakespeare may have honed these skills during his time away from London, gaining the intellectual foundation needed for his later works.
Moreover, Stratford-upon-Avon itself had a number of educational institutions, which might have provided an opportunity for a young Shakespeare to engage in scholarly work. Though no concrete evidence links him to any specific school during this time, the theory remains plausible, especially in light of the fact that Shakespeare had three young children during these years, which would have required financial support.
2. Shakespeare’s Possible Involvement in Theatre
Another theory proposes that Shakespeare was already involved in theatre during the lost years, possibly in a non-writing capacity. Some scholars believe that he may have worked as an actor or a member of a travelling theatre company. This would explain how he was able to transition so smoothly into London’s vibrant theatrical scene by 1592.
There is evidence to suggest that travelling theatre troupes were common during this period. Shakespeare could have joined one of these companies, gaining experience on the road before eventually arriving in London. The idea of Shakespeare being an actor before becoming a playwright is supported by the fact that many of his plays contain detailed knowledge of acting and the inner workings of theatre.
Additionally, there is some historical evidence that links Shakespeare to the Pembroke’s Men, a popular acting company of the time, though this is not conclusive. The idea of Shakespeare as an actor remains a possibility but cannot be fully substantiated with the available evidence.
3. The Continental Theory: Did Shakespeare Travel Abroad?
One of the more exciting and romanticized theories about Shakespeare’s lost years is that he may have traveled abroad, possibly to Europe. The theory suggests that Shakespeare could have spent time in Italy, France, or even Spain, where he would have had access to different cultural influences, potentially even sources for his plays.
The Italian connection is particularly intriguing, given the fact that several of Shakespeare’s plays, such as The Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet, and The Merchant of Venice, have clear Italian settings. The presence of Italian words, phrases, and references to Italian customs in his works suggests that Shakespeare may have had firsthand knowledge of the country. Some have speculated that Shakespeare’s travels in Italy might have inspired his works set there.
Furthermore, Italy was a hub of Renaissance learning, with cities like Florence and Venice being centers of art, literature, and theatre. It is plausible that Shakespeare could have spent time in these cultural epicenters, learning from Italian playwrights and incorporating their influences into his own work.
Despite the romantic appeal of the continental theory, there is no direct evidence that Shakespeare traveled abroad during the lost years, and much of this remains speculative. Nevertheless, the theory remains a popular one among scholars and enthusiasts of Shakespeare’s life.
4. The Criminal Theory: Shakespeare as a Fugitive
Perhaps the most dramatic and sensational theory is that Shakespeare spent the lost years as a fugitive, possibly hiding from the law due to a crime he committed. One theory suggests that Shakespeare may have been involved in poaching, a criminal offense in Elizabethan England, as his father was fined for poaching in 1566.
It has been suggested that Shakespeare may have fled Stratford-upon-Avon to avoid punishment, either for this crime or for another, more serious infraction. This theory hinges on the idea that Shakespeare’s later works, which often deal with themes of crime, guilt, and punishment, reflect a personal experience with the law.
While intriguing, this theory is largely unsupported by historical evidence. There are no known records of Shakespeare being involved in any criminal activities, and there is no concrete evidence linking him to a period of exile or escape.
5. Shakespeare’s Time in London: Theories on His Entry into the Theatre World
By 1592, Shakespeare had emerged as a well-known playwright in London. This year is significant because it marks the first documented reference to Shakespeare’s works. In 1592, the writer Robert Greene famously criticized Shakespeare in his pamphlet Greene’s Groats-Worth of Wit, calling him an “upstart crow” and accusing him of plagiarizing the works of established playwrights.
This reference suggests that by this time, Shakespeare was already an active participant in London’s theatre scene, both as a writer and an actor. The question, then, is how he made the leap from a relatively unknown figure in Stratford to a prominent figure in the London theatre world. Many scholars believe that his time in London during the lost years was spent in training, networking, and writing, even if we lack direct documentation to support this.
Conclusion
The mystery surrounding Shakespeare’s lost years is more than just an academic puzzle; it also speaks to the very nature of Shakespeare’s genius. The fact that such a significant portion of his life remains undocumented adds to the allure of his legacy, fueling speculation and wonder about how he managed to develop such a remarkable body of work.
While it is unlikely that we will ever know for certain what Shakespeare was doing during the lost years, the theories presented in this article offer intriguing glimpses into the possibilities. Whether he was a teacher, an actor, a traveler, or something else entirely, it is clear that Shakespeare’s early life was a period of profound personal growth, laying the groundwork for the greatness that would follow. As we continue to study his works and his life, the mystery of the lost years serves as a reminder of how even the most well-documented lives can still harbor secrets waiting to be uncovered.
