Shakespeare - Top Ten World Literatures

Author: Tong Yiqiu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features:
1. Mysterious Life and Times
In the central part of England, Warwickshire, there is a small town called Stratford. The River Avon flows gently beside it, so it is also known as Stratford-upon-Avon. It is nestled in a beautiful valley, surrounded by rolling grasslands and pastures, vast fields, dense woodlands, and several ancient castles that hold significant places in British history. The town is abundant in flowers and singing birds, earning it the nickname "Stratford-upon-Avon, where the trees are lush." Local folklore is filled with many legends and stories about the woodlands and castles, adding a touch of romance to the town. Since ancient times, Stratford has been a crucial stop on the route from London to inland cities like Birmingham, with convenient transportation and a constant flow of travelers. After the 16th century, Stratford flourished even more. At that time, England, like many European countries, had moved beyond the stagnant and isolated state of the Middle Ages. Trade and overseas commerce rapidly developed, with sheep farming and wool weaving particularly thriving. Stratford's wool weaving and malt production were renowned, and like many small towns in England, it quickly became prosperous, with numerous workshops, shops, and inns appearing on the streets. Wool workshops, leather workshops, blacksmiths' shops, and more lined the streets. On ordinary days, the roads were bustling with horses and people. During market days, the place was even livelier. In 1553, it gained self-governing status and was managed by a municipal council elected by the townspeople. The world-famous playwright and poet William Shakespeare was born here, earning him the title "The Swan of Avon." He arrived during a period of great historical change and, through his works, reflected this magnificent era, later being hailed as "The Soul of the Age."
William's father, John Shakespeare, originally lived in Snitterfield, about three miles away from Stratford, in a farming family. John was a shrewd, ambitious man who saw Stratford's growing prosperity and how many young people were becoming wealthy by learning trades or engaging in business. He abandoned farming and moved to Stratford to learn a trade. A few years later, he became skilled in making soft leather gloves. Later, he saved enough money to open his own shop, selling leather gloves while also dealing in grains, timber, meat, and malt. His business flourished, making him one of Stratford's wealthy citizens. In 1556, he bought two houses with gardens in the area. In 1557, he married Mary, the daughter of a local squire, Robert Arden, who also gave him a substantial dowry (60 acres of land and ￡6 in cash), further increasing his wealth. He was a man of integrity and public spirit, beloved by the townspeople. In 1557, the year of his marriage, he began participating in municipal council work. Initially, he served as a malt inspector, later being appointed as a justice of the peace by the local civil court, and in 1561, he became one of the town's two financial officers. John and Mary had eight children, four girls and four boys. The first two were girls, and both died in infancy. On April 23, 1564, which was the feast day of St. George, the patron saint of England, they welcomed a son, who would become the future writer, William. According to local custom, three days after William's birth, they took the child to the church for baptism. The church register for April 1564 still bears a Latin entry: "26th, William, son of John Shakespeare."
William's childhood coincided with his father's prosperous business and rising social status in Stratford. In 1565, he was elected as a town councilor. According to custom, he could wear a special ring, had a dedicated seat in the church, and his home's entrance could display a custom-made lantern. On Sundays and festive occasions, he could even wear a black robe with fur trim and attend public events. People respectfully addressed him as "Mr. Shakespeare," and his name was always followed by the honorific "Esquire" in official documents. Such a demeanor was quite impressive in the small town at the time. In 1568, he was elected as the executive officer of the Stratford municipal council (equivalent to the mayor). At this point, the fur-trimmed robe he wore was officially changed from black to deep purple, and whenever he attended municipal council meetings, guards would clear the path for him. He became even more distinguished. During that era of social upheaval, feudal relationships were crumbling, and new capitalist relations were emerging. John Shakespeare was one of the lucky ones, leveraging the opportunities of the time, his talent, and hard work to rise from a farmer to a wealthy citizen and even enter politics. As the son of the mayor, William grew up carefree. He was lively, curious, loved stories, and had a vivid imagination. He enjoyed the natural beauty of the outskirts, often inquiring about various things from the locals. He learned much about plants and trees and heard many folk tales. For example, he heard stories of a fairy king and queen who loved to play and fight in the forest, mischievous sprites like Puck, and tales of knights and historical legends from the castles, as well as the stories of the outlaw Robin Hood robbing the rich to help the poor in the woodlands. These tales captivated him.
The most unforgettable event of his childhood was something that happened in the summer of 1569. That year, when he was five, a traveling theater troupe came to Stratford. His father, as mayor, warmly welcomed the troupe and agreed to let them perform in the town—a first for Stratford. At the time, some city leaders in England followed Puritanism, advocating for simplicity and abstinence, disliking all forms of entertainment and forbidding theater troupes from performing in their jurisdictions. John was more open-minded, so he welcomed the troupe. As custom dictated, the first performance of the troupe in each new location was a special show for the local municipal council members and their families. He happily accepted the invitation. The performance took place at the Holy Trinity Church. The troupe had already arranged comfortable seats for the officials in the best locations. That afternoon, John, his wife, and William came to the church in fine attire to watch the play. William sat beside his father, completely absorbed in the performance, never so delighted as he was that day. After the play ended, he didn’t even know how he got home with his parents, his mind filled with the scenes from the stage.
(Translation continues on pages 1-3)