Book SummaryShakespeare, by Bill Bryson

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Shakespeare

The visual representation and the symbolic illustrations linked to Shakespeare.

The legitimacy of the Chandos portrait, which is among the numerous depictions of Shakespeare, continues to be a subject of debate.

The Chandos portrait shows a confident, serenely rakish man in his 40s, but it is unclear where the painting came from or who it actually depicts.

Bryson suggests that the individual depicted in the Chandos portrait might actually be Shakespeare. The portrait, exhibited since the inception of the National Portrait Gallery in London, depicts a man in his forties with a neatly groomed beard and adorned with a gold earring. The attire he wore not only signified his social standing and the era he lived in but also suggested wealth through his sophisticated black garments, and his decision to sport an earring signaled a connection to artistic and theatrical communities.

The portrait's origins are uncertain, and its authenticity as a depiction of Shakespeare remains a subject of debate. While the stylistic characteristics are consistent with the time period and profession associated with Shakespeare, the lack of a documented history prevents definitive confirmation. The Chandos portrait remains an intriguing depiction, though its authenticity as an image of the Bard has yet to be definitively confirmed.

Context

• Portraits were a primary means of capturing likenesses before photography, often commissioned by the wealthy to display power, influence, or intellectual prowess.
• There are very few contemporary images of Shakespeare, and those that exist are often disputed, leading to ongoing debates among scholars about which, if any, accurately depict him.
• Many artworks from the period lack clear attribution to specific artists, complicating efforts to trace the origins and authenticity of portraits like the Chandos.
• The National Portrait Gallery in London was founded in 1856, making it one of the first galleries dedicated to portraiture in the world.
• During the Elizabethan era, fashion was a significant indicator of social status. A neatly groomed beard was often associated with sophistication and a sense of personal pride, reflecting the grooming standards of gentlemen of the time.
• In the Elizabethan era, black dye was expensive and difficult to produce, making black garments a symbol of wealth and high social status.
• Earrings in the 16th and 17th centuries were sometimes seen as a mark of distinction among those who traveled or had connections to the sea, which included many actors who toured with theater companies.
• The Elizabethan era was a time of flourishing arts and culture, with a strong emphasis on visual representation in art, which often included symbolic elements to convey deeper meanings about the subject's life and work.
• During the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods, portraiture was a common way to commemorate individuals, but records were not always meticulously kept, leading to gaps in historical documentation.
• Modern techniques such as dendrochronology (dating of wood) and pigment analysis can provide insights into the age and origin of a painting, but these methods have limitations and cannot definitively identify the subject.

The engraving by Droeshout, which appears in the initial compilation of his works, provides another well-known image, though it is of average artistic quality and does not particularly flatter him.

...

Shakespeare Summary Shakespeare's initial years and the era for which documentation is absent

Despite the high mortality rates and widespread disease of his time, Shakespeare managed to live through his early years.

In 16th century England, although lethal diseases were rampant, the young Shakespeare managed to endure the hazardous early years of his existence.

Bryson vividly portrays the 16th century, an era beset by widespread disease and high infant mortality rates, highlighting the myriad risks that threatened the well-being of the celebrated dramatist. Plague, smallpox, tuberculosis, and a host of other illnesses were constant threats, while medical treatments often exacerbated existing conditions. Shortly after Shakespeare was born, Stratford was ravaged by a severe plague epidemic, which significantly diminished its population, highlighting the precarious nature of life during that era.

The author underscores the remarkable feat of Shakespeare surviving past early childhood, considering the prevalent child mortality during that era. Shakespeare's survival beyond infancy and his attainment of adulthood are testament to his fortunate circumstances and resilience.

Context

• Religion played a significant role in how people understood and responded...

Shakespeare Summary In London's bustling metropolis, Shakespeare's career thrived and his fame surged.

Shakespeare's evolution from a little-known provincial figure to a renowned playwright occurred within the vibrant theater scene of the capital city.

Upon reaching London, which probably happened toward the end of the 1580s, Shakespeare quickly established himself as a respected performer and a playwright in high demand, contributing greatly to the evolution of the city's emerging theatrical landscape.

Bryson vividly depicts London during the Elizabethan era, emphasizing its rapidly growing population, lack of sanitation, dynamic theater life, and intricate social stratification. The rapid growth of the metropolis, fueled by the influx of ambitious people from different regions and a substantial rise in dedicated theaters, created an environment that perfectly supported the flourishing of creativity and the dramatic arts.

The author emphasizes Shakespeare's smooth ascension to a prominent position in the ever-changing theatrical landscape. Despite not having clear connections, Shakespeare quickly gained recognition for his talents as an actor and writer, eventually obtaining a significant role in the prestigious acting company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men.

...

Shakespeare Summary The complete collection of compositions and the artistic methods utilized by the renowned playwright William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare's career stood out for his creation of an extensive collection of works, which encompassed over thirty plays and a variety of poems.

Shakespeare's impressive collection of plays is credited to his rapid and skillful writing abilities, yet it is recognized that they were not all crafted with equal precision.

Bryson highlights the remarkable diversity in Shakespeare's body of work, noting his adeptness at crafting comedies, historical accounts, and profoundly touching tragedies. He addresses the debate over the order of composition of Shakespeare's creations, exploring the uncertainties and the variety of methods scholars use to establish the chronology and analyze the plays.

Despite his considerable output and reputation for rapid composition, the author recognizes signs of rushed production and irregularities within certain dramas. He explores the possibility that Shakespeare collaborated with other playwrights on certain works in the later stages of his career.

Practical Tips

• Use the concept of variability in quality and precision to improve your problem-solving skills. When faced with a problem, brainstorm multiple solutions and rate them in...

Shakespeare Summary Shakespeare's legacy continues through his works and the concluding years of his existence.

Shakespeare kept on working in London and at the same time, he was increasing his wealth by purchasing real estate and making several investments in Stratford.

Shakespeare's purchase of a notable property in Stratford, along with his involvement in several significant property deals, suggests that he achieved a substantial level of financial security.

Bryson emphasizes Shakespeare's continuous involvement in London's theater world and also recognizes his commitment to Stratford, his birthplace, where he allocated a considerable amount of his earnings. He details Shakespeare's economic endeavors, which included the purchase of the distinguished estate called New Place, vast farming territories, and a significant share of the tithes from the nearby church.

Bill Bryson suggests that the endeavors of Shakespeare in commerce mirrored his financial success and aimed at creating a lasting heritage for himself and his family. Despite amassing considerable fortune, Bryson notes that Shakespeare opted for a modest way of life, choosing to reside in leased lodgings while in London.

Other Perspectives

• Property deals and investments carry inherent risks, and successful...