Shakespeare’s Wife

Germaine Greer's Shakespeare's Wife (2007) challenges traditional views of Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare's wife. The book suggests that Hathaway was not merely an illiterate seductress in an unhappy marriage, as previously portrayed. Historical records offer sparse details about Anne Hathaway, born around 1556 and died in 1623. She married an 18-year-old Shakespeare in 1582, while three months pregnant with their first child, Susanna. They later had twins, Judith and Hamnet, though their only son died at age 11. Shakespeare moved to London for his career, and while evidence suggests they may have lived together later, he left his family in Stratford-upon-Avon for extended periods. His will, bequeathing Anne his "second-best bed," has been interpreted in various ways regarding their marital affection.1234