Research Essay

The 23rd of April, 1616 was a very sad day, because on this day Shakespeare died. So we know when he died, but how did he die? There are quite a few theories on how Shakespeare died, varying from one extreme to the next, but there is some pretty solid evidence that he took ill and died.

The main theory of Shakespeares death has to do with some good old drinkin' with the pals. "...vicar of Stratford dates the onset of Will’s illness from a night of heavy drinking with his mates...(historicalbiographies.suite101.com)." It states that he died of a fever afterwards. Albeit this is just one theory, it is the most documented and popular reason. Now, it is very possible that Shakespeare had a disease prior to this, and it just decided to do its work then."There has been the suggestion that he may have been ill for some time, as he revised his will on March 25, a month before he died(historicalbiographies.suite101.com)." Which seems a bit more likely to me than say, a really bad hangover. With this theory as well, before he died he wrote "The Last Will and Testament(william-shakespeare.info)." This is his will, so he must have known he was going to die soon.

In his will he gave most of his family money, and items. He gave money to the poor of Stratford"He left £10 to the poor of Stratford(william-shakesepeare.info)." William was buried at the same church he was baptized in " Shakespeare is buried under the floor of the chancel (a mark of great respect) of the Church of the Holy Trinity, the same church in which he was baptized 52 years earlier(historicalbiographies.suite101.com)." His wife, was buried right next to him 7 years later.

Concluding this essay, Shakespeare death is truly, unknown. There are many theories which seem to be, for the most part, right. I for one believe he had an illness for awhile and knew he was going to die, and this is why he wrote his will.

Work Cited:

"Facts About Shakespeare: How Did Shakespeare Die?" Historical Biographies. Web. 22 May 2010. http://historicalbiographies.suite101.com/article.cfm/facts_about_shakespeare.

"The Last Will and Testament of William Shakespeare." WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. Web. 22 May 2010. http://www.william-shakespeare.info/william-shakespeare-the-will.htm.