There has always been a wish to know more about Shakespeare, but as the world’s greatest poet-dramatist, the words of his characters cannot be taken to express his views. Recognized as writing himself out of his plays, he has been seen as a closet Catholic whose writing retains the “secrets of the crypt”. But in an age of sectarianism, he arguably sought a greater tolerance for freedom of conscience that would allow people to “be themselves”. His English histories reflect pride in his own country and county, support for an ordered succession, and a realization of political conflict resulting not from Providence, but from human ambition and feuding. His great tragedies, in not overtly offering consolation, make certain generalizations about their endings questionable. They invite their audience to cope with the worst that can happen in life, any positives being implicit in their dramatic action. Perhaps of most relevance is Shakespeare’s insight into how important the role of women can be, the gender inequality they can suffer in a patriarchal society, and the freedom they should have in being themselves; in being able openly to express themselves and make their love known.
