William Shakespeare is widely considered to be one of the greatest writers of all time. As such, it isn’t a surprise that his life and work were the subject of many myths, some of which have survived to modern times. Here are five popular myths about “the Bard” that people still believe.
Shakespeare Didn’t Write His Plays
You would be surprised how many people fall for the myth that Shakespeare didn’t write his own plays. The myth originated because people didn’t believe that someone from his background could write so well. Of course, there is no concrete proof to back up these claims.
Shakespeare Was Uneducated
The popular misconception about Shakespeare is that he was uneducated. The truth is that he finished grammar school, where he learned about classical writers and writing techniques and gained knowledge in different languages.
Shakespeare Invented the Shakespearean Sonnet Form
It might sound strange that Shakespeare didn’t invent the sonnet form that carries his name, but it was actually poet Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, who used it for his sonnets well before the famed writer.
Shakespeare Died After a Night of Heavy Drinking
There is a myth that Shakespeare died after a night of heavy drinking with several fellow playwriters. The myth originated from a notebook entry by John Ward, the vicar of Stratford. However, Ward wrote this almost 50 years after Shakespeare died, and historians believe it is just an anecdote that found its way to the vicar. The true nature of Shakespeare’s death remains unknown.
