Did Shakespeare Write King Lear While Quarantined Due to the Plague?

One of the intriguing questions and debates revolving around the works of William Shakespeare is whether he wrote King Lear during a period of quarantine due to the plague. While there is no definitive proof, several fascinating details and hypotheses can be explored to support this idea.

Historic Context and Theatrical Circumstances

Many scholars believe King Lear was written between 1604 and 1606. During this period, London faced a severe plague outbreak. The first recorded performance of the play was on Boxing Day, December 26, 1606. Additionally, Shakespeare’s landlady in London died of the plague around that time, coinciding with the tragic and cursed backdrop of the play.

Atmosphere and Themes in King Lear

The somber and desolate atmosphere of King Lear mirrors the dreaded conditions during the plague. The play's themes of doom, despair, and pointless deaths align with the plague's impact on society. The tenants of the heath and the cataracts, as described in the play, evoke the harsh and bleak reality of a plague-stricken environment.

Theatrical Shifts and Contradictions

Shakespeare's theater company, the King's Men, followed a seasonal pattern. During warmer months, they performed at Court or at the Globe, an open-air theater. In colder months, they toured or performed in indoor theaters like the Blackfriars. However, the King James Coronation in 1603 coincided with a plague year, leading to theater closures from late 1603 to May 1604. In 1604, Shakespeare was applying for a patent for the Globe Theater.

Specific Plague Periods and Theatrical Activities

There were periodic returns of plague in London, particularly in 1605 and 1606. The suburbs faced more severe outbreaks, but the city itself saw fewer cases. This information is supported by records and historical documents. Shakespeare and his troupe would have been required to attend Court during times when the theaters were closed. If King Lear were written during one of these periods, a logical question arises: why did it take so long to present it to the King in December 1606?

Quarantine Measures During the Plague

According to historical records, during periods of the plague, houses with infected individuals were marked. People had to signal their status by carrying a white stick and avoiding contact with others. However, there was no strict quarantine imposed on individuals, nor is there any evidence of Shakespeare being in quarantine while writing the play. He would have had to navigate these conditions to maintain his work.

Final Considerations and Conclusion

Combining all these details, it is plausible to suggest that Shakespeare could have written King Lear during a period of quarantine or while facing the harsh conditions brought about by the plague. The tragic themes of the play could have been deeply influenced by his experiences and observations during this tumultuous period.

While the idea remains speculative, the historic context and the coinciding atmosphere of the plague offer a compelling narrative for this hypothesis.