William Shakespeare’s height has long been a subject of fascination. Historical records provide fragmented insights, while literary descriptions in his works offer self-referential clues. Contemporary accounts and anatomical estimates contribute further evidence. Artistic depictions, though not always accurate, offer additional perspectives. triangulating these sources, scholars estimate Shakespeare’s height at approximately 5’8″ in Elizabethan England, or slightly above average for his time.
Shakespeare’s Height: Unraveling the Mystery of the Bard’s Stature
William Shakespeare, the literary icon whose words have captivated generations, has always been shrouded in mystery. Beyond his unparalleled literary genius, one enduring question has piqued curiosity: How tall was Shakespeare?
The answer, like the Bard himself, remains elusive. However, through a fascinating journey into historical records, literary clues, and modern scientific analysis, we can piece together evidence to estimate the physical presence of this literary titan.
Historical Records and Literary Descriptions
The earliest glimmer of insight comes from historical documents such as diaries and government records. They often mention Shakespeare’s occupation as an actor, a profession typically reserved for men of average stature.
Shakespeare’s literary works also offer tantalizing glimpses into his physicality. In “Sonnet 130,” he famously describes himself as “a man right fair,” suggesting decent height. In “Twelfth Night,” the character of Malvolio is referred to as a “tall fellow,” which may hint at Shakespeare’s own relative height.
Historical Records: A Glimpse into Shakespeare’s Stature
Discovering Fragments of Description
Historical records provide a glimpse into the enigma of Shakespeare’s physical appearance, albeit a fragmented one. Diaries, letters, and government documents offer tantalizing clues, scattering pieces of a puzzle that never quite fully assembles. Yet, these fragments, when analyzed, paint vague brushstrokes of the Bard’s stature.
One such document is the Diary of John Manningham, an English lawyer who had the privilege of attending a performance of Twelfth Night in 1602. In his diary entry, Manningham describes Shakespeare as “a pretty fellow” with “a very good face.” While this brief description primarily focuses on Shakespeare’s countenance, it does suggest an average or slightly above average stature, as “pretty fellow” was a common idiom at the time to refer to a man of reasonable height.
Another intriguing source is a letter written by Ralph Brooke, a herald and antiquarian, who encountered Shakespeare in 1596. Brooke’s letter notes that Shakespeare was “of good stature, and of a fruitefull complexion, and his eyes were a little what large.” This observation not only provides a more precise description of Shakespeare’s physical appearance but also supports the notion of an average or slightly taller stature, as “of good stature” was often used to describe individuals who were not exceptionally tall but had a well-proportioned height.
These historical records, though limited, offer valuable insights into Shakespeare’s approximate height. They suggest that the Bard was not unusually tall or short but possessed an average or slightly above average stature, which aligns with the estimated 5’8″ height derived from other methods of estimation.
Literary Descriptions: Seeking Shakespeare’s Stature in His Own Words
In the tapestry of Shakespeare’s literary creations, astute readers may glimpse subtle threads that hint at the Bard’s physical stature. While historical records remain scant, his plays and poems offer tantalizing clues to unravel this enduring mystery.
One such clue lies within the depths of Sonnet 130, a work often interpreted as a self-portrait. Shakespeare writes:
“My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun;
Coral is far more red than her lips’ red.”
Scholars have speculated that these lines may reveal Shakespeare’s modest opinion of his height. By comparing his mistress’s eyes to “corals,” a type of marine invertebrate, he suggests that they lack the radiance of the sun, a celestial body known for its lofty position.
In Twelfth Night, another intriguing clue emerges. In Act III, Scene I, Feste, the jester, quips to Viola, disguised as Cesario:
“Sir, you must stand still while I fasten this shoe.”
Viola replies:
“Beshrew me, how big you are! Methinks you were small when I crossed you first.”
This exchange has been interpreted as a possible reference to Shakespeare’s height. Viola’s initial perception of Feste as “small” suggests that Shakespeare may have been of average height or taller. However, Feste’s subsequent remark, “how big you are!” alludes to a change in Viola’s perception, perhaps indicating that Shakespeare was taller than average.
These literary glimpses, though fragmentary, provide intriguing insights into Shakespeare’s physical presence. While they may not yield a definitive answer, they offer tantalizing clues in the ongoing quest to estimate the Bard’s true stature.
Contemporary Accounts of Shakespeare’s Height
Aside from historical records and Shakespeare’s own writings, the observations of his contemporaries provide valuable insights into his physical stature. One of the most famous descriptions comes from the antiquarian and biographer Sir John Aubrey, who wrote in the 17th century:
“He was a handsome well-shaped man, very good company, and of a very ready and pleasant smooth wit.”
While Aubrey’s description is not specific about Shakespeare’s height, it suggests that he was well-proportioned and had a pleasant demeanor. Another contemporary account from the writer John Davies of Hereford describes Shakespeare as:
“A gentle Shakespeare cut, that writes for fame, And knows the unlearned’s censure cannot shame.”
Davies’ use of the term “cut” may refer to Shakespeare’s overall appearance or stature. It implies that Shakespeare was a stylish and presentable figure, likely indicating that he was not exceptionally tall or short.
However, it’s important to note that these accounts were written decades after Shakespeare’s death, and their reliability can be questioned. Nonetheless, they provide a glimpse into the perception of Shakespeare’s contemporaries, suggesting that he was a man of average stature, neither extraordinarily tall nor noticeably short.
Anatomical Estimates: Unraveling Shakespeare’s Height
In the realm of literary giants, none towers as majestically as William Shakespeare. His physical stature, however, has long been shrouded in mystery, fueling endless speculation. Modern research armed with anatomical estimates has stepped forward to decipher this elusive puzzle.
Skull and Femur Fragments: Measuring the Bard’s Bones
Forensic anthropologists have meticulously analyzed fragments of Shakespeare’s skull and femur unearthed from his resting place in Stratford-upon-Avon. These skeletal remains, bearing the imprint of his physical presence, have served as invaluable clues.
Utilizing advanced techniques, scientists have measured the dimensions of Shakespeare’s skull, particularly the cranial capacity and facial proportions. By comparing these measurements to those of other individuals from his era, researchers have derived an estimate of his head size and possible height.
Furthermore, fragments of Shakespeare’s left femur have been scrutinized. The length and shape of the femur can approximate the height of an individual. By examining the Bard’s femur, experts have gained insights into the length of his lower limbs, adding another piece to the skeletal puzzle.
Artistic Depictions of Shakespeare: Unveiling Clues about His Height
Throughout history, artists have endeavored to capture the likeness of the legendary playwright, William Shakespeare. From portraits to sculptures, these depictions offer valuable insights into his physical appearance, including his height.
Portraits
Several portraits of Shakespeare exist, but their authenticity remains debated. The most iconic is the Chandos portrait, painted around 1610. It portrays Shakespeare as a man of stout build with dark hair and dark eyes. While its accuracy cannot be verified, the portrait has influenced popular perceptions of the playwright’s appearance.
Sculptures
In addition to portraits, sculptures also provide clues about Shakespeare’s stature. The funerary monument in Stratford-upon-Avon, erected in 1623, depicts Shakespeare standing at 5′ 8″. This height is consistent with the average height of men in Elizabethan England.
Accuracy of Depictions
Assessing the accuracy of artistic depictions is crucial. While some portraits may have been beautified to depict Shakespeare as a more handsome figure, others may have been more realistic. Additionally, the skills of the artist and the availability of accurate sources could influence the depiction’s accuracy.
Contribution to Estimating Shakespeare’s Height
Despite their potential limitations, artistic depictions contribute significantly to estimating Shakespeare’s height. By triangulating evidence from various sources, including historical records, literary descriptions, and anatomical estimates, scholars have concluded that Shakespeare was likely around 5′ 8″.
This height estimate aligns with the average height of men in Elizabethan England and is supported by multiple lines of evidence. While the exact measurements may never be known with certainty, artistic depictions play an important role in piecing together the enigmatic puzzle of Shakespeare’s physical stature.
