The history of William Shakespeare, poet and playwright, is anything but one
free of controversy. There are several arguments challenging his very existence.
Over the years, every aspect of his life has been studied and researched
comprehensively. One of the most intriguing aspects of his life undoubtedly is
his relationship with his wife and his various love affairs. This essay aims to
highlight and analyze the environment surrounding his marriage and attempt to
compare it with information presented in the screenplay. The various scholars
who have involved themselves in bringing to life his past have come up with
stirring evidence about his marriage. What is for certain is the fact that
Shakespeare did marry a certain Anne Hathaway. "On November 28, 1582 the
Bishop of Worcester issued the marriage bond for 'William Shagspere' and 'Ann
Hathwey of Stratford' This was almost beyond doubt, Anne Hathaway, daughter of
Richard Hathaway of Shottery" (1582 Marriage). This quote not only confirms
this fact, but also gives us the most accurate known date of Shakespeare's
wedding. However, some records have changed the whole story surrounding
Shakespeare's marriage. Ivor Brown, in his book Shakespeare, traces the
circumstances that led up to the marriage. William Shakespeare may not have
married Anne Hathaway out of choice. "On November 27, 1582, an entry was
made in the Episcopal register at Worcester. This set down the issue of a
marriage license to William Shakespeare and Anne Whatley of Temple Grafton. On
the next day, two yeomen of Stratford, Fulk Sandells and John Richardson, agreed
to pay forty pounds should any legal consideration arise to prevent the marriage
of William Shagspere and Anne Hathway of Worcester." (Brown 45) The first
theory that can be proposed after reading the excerpt is that an error occurred
in the recording of the wedding and was promptly taken care of the next day.
But, what if Anne Whatley really did exist? After all, the excerpt does claim
that the two Annes were from different towns. It isn't hard to tribute an affair
to Shakespeare at all. Shakespeare didn't need looks to captivate a lady's
heart. Over the years, he has captured the hearts of millions worldwide with his
penmanship. Arguably, such a man could, at that young an age, have easily
seduced several women with the magic of his words. And, even though he is some
ten years older in the screenplay, Norman and Stoppard have done a brilliant job
of portraying Will as an individual brimming with passion and lust in the
screenplay. Though a mix up in names was commonplace of that time, it is
unlikely that it took place in this instance. Hathaway and Whatley are wholly
different names and Temple Grafton could certainly not have been penned down as
Stratford. "Now however sleepy a clerk may have become during the course of
his day's penmanship and its refreshment intervals, it is extremely unlikely
that he would transliterate Temple Grafton into Stratford" (Brown 48). This
bit of evidence may be the clue that suggests the possibility of Anne Whatley's
existence. Had there been an Anne Whatley from Temple Grafton and an Anne
Hathaway, from Stratford, it would give a juicy twist to the story of William
Shakespeare, the lover! But, we can only speculate as to what the truth actually
was. Perhaps, Shakespeare had intended to marry Whatley all the way and an
irresistible Hathaway had suddenly walked into his life. Another possibility
could be that the playwright was having an affair with both women at the same
time and had made false promises to both. And, the reason he ended up marrying
Hathaway was that she was three months pregnant. " . . . because the bride
was some three months pregnant and there was reason for haste in concluding the
marriage" (1582 Marriage). This corresponds with what Will tells Dr. Moth
in the screenplay. So, we arrive at the conclusion that Shakespeare did not
marry Anne Hathaway by choice. This would obviously imply that the relationship
would not be a happy one and would in fact be short-lived. Hence, we return to
Will's statement in the screenplay about the detached relationship between him
and his wife. "WILL: Four years and a hundred miles away in Stratford. A
cold bed too, since the twins were born. Banishment was a blessing" (12).
This statement not only describes the emptiness between the couple, but also
runs parallel with the possibility that Will indeed never wanted Hathaway as his
wife. Another strong pillar supporting this theory is a statement from
Shakespeare's will. "In his will, Shakespeare left Anne only his
second-best bed. The exact significance of this is uncertain. Sometimes it has
been interpreted as a derisory gesture." (Wells 69) This may suggest that
another woman (perhaps an unknown mistress) was Shakespeare's first choice in
bed. Any feelings beyond that cannot be inferred from this small piece of
information. This would lead us to believe that a very powerful theory about the
history of Shakespeare's marriage may be proposed using these excerpts. Right
from the presumption that he was an ardent young man caught by the worst sort of
trap (the lifetime bond of marriage) to the supposition that he chose to break
free from the relationship because his nature forbade him to accept such a
verdict. William Shakespeare, I believe, was a lover. The fact that he would
have to spend the rest of his life with a woman who would not keep their
relationship brisk for long did not appeal to him. And, that is when Norman and
Stoppard's Will was born.

BibliographyBrown, Ivor Shakespeare New York: Time Incorporated, 1962 Norman, Marc and
Tom Stoppard Shakespeare in Love New York: Miramax Films and Universal Studios,
1998 Terry A. Gray "1582 Marriage" Shakespeare Timeline. http://daphne.palomar.edu/shakespeare/timeline/marriage.html.
(9/14/99) Wells, Stanley Shakespeare, An Illustrated Dictionary New York: Oxford
University Press, 1978