Shakespeare was no ordinary mortal. His tales and poems have travelled to the ends of the world and his name is familiar even to toddlers. What would such a great soul have written in his will, the document that he wrote to his near and dear ones as he was nearing death? Does the man, who wrote about kings, battles, courts, courtships, jealousy, pride, avarice, wealth and romance, say anything about his greatest assets, his plays and poems? Has he left any message to the world though his will?
For all those who love literature and especially Shakespeare’s works, his will is a huge disappointment. The document is nothing more than any other ordinary will written in the most boring legal language. No exquisite witticisms, no extravagance of expressions and no inspiring epigrams!
All that is said is about money and some of his immovable assets and whom he bequeaths it all. In fact, the will was made immediately after his daughter Judith’s marriage.
However, with the help of his lawyer, he kept altering his will until he was fully satisfied with it before his death. Shakespeare was concerned about his daughters. He was disturbed by the plight of his second daughter Judith, whose husband Thomas Quiney was an immoral man. Shakespeare did not like him and did not want his wealth to go to Quiney. However, his first son-in-law, John Hall was dear to him. Shakespeare’s wealth was divided among his wife, daughters and his colleagues.
Shakespeare’s will have been closely scrutinized by scholars to determine his personal opinions and beliefs. It also sheds light on his religious beliefs, moral values, attitude towards his two daughters and relationship with his colleagues.
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