Was William Shakespeare Gay? Debunking the Rumors with Evidence

The historical debate over William Shakespeare's sexual orientation has been a subject of fascination and speculation for centuries. While many have speculated about Shakespeare's romantic life, the question of whether he was gay or simply the subject of rumour remains a matter of debate. This article delves into the evidence, or lack thereof, that Shakespeare's sonnets provide, and offers a critical look at the societal context of his time.

The Evidence in the Sonnets

Some argue that evidence of Shakespeare's homosexuality can be found in his sonnets. However, the cream of the sonnet culture of the 1590s often contained various codes and subtext, much like modern literature. The first 126 sonnets of Shakespeare's collection are often addressed to a young man, referred to as both a friend and a lover. The language used can be described as highly romantic, and in the 16th century, it was common for friends, particularly men, to use affectionate and passionate language to describe one another. Take, for instance, the famous sonnet 20, where the narrator refers to the young man as 'master mistress of my passion,' suggesting a deeper, more personal connection.

However, the picture may not be as straightforward as it initially seems. In 1640, some 24 years after Shakespeare's death, an anthology of his sonnets was published with pronouns altered to make the addressee appear to be a woman. This led to the idea that the poems were homoerotic, but once again, the inclusion of these details is far from conclusive.

Biases and Patronage: A Complex Picture

The sonnets offer a double-edged sword when considered as evidence. On one hand, some of the sonnets are addressed to a woman, the so-called 'Dark Lady,' suggesting that Shakespeare might have been bisexual. On the other, the sonnets were reportedly written to please his patrons and flatter them. For instance, Samuel Daniel's sonnet sequence Delia was modeled after Lady Mary Herbert, and yet no one assumes Daniel had a romantic interest in the Countess, even though the narrative in Delia describes a mutual and deep love. Similarly, Shakespeare's plays often contained mockery of love poetry, which makes it unlikely that he would have been pouring out his emotional heart in the sonnets.

Contemporary Gossip and Reputation

Examining the level of gossip and rumors that surrounded Shakespeare's contemporaries in the Elizabethan/Jacobean era reveals that while many prominent figures were rumored to be gay, there is little evidence of such claims about Shakespeare. In 1602, John Manningham's diary mentions a citizen who tried to drown her sorrows in a love affair with Burbage's performance, but nothing was said about Shakespeare himself. Similarly, John Aubrey's anecdote from 1626 suggests that Davenant, a contemporary and fellow playwright, had a positive but platonic regard for Shakespeare, hoping that another writing as well as Shakespeare would be "buried by his son."

Given that Shakespeare lived in a society that openly discussed and celebrated same-sex relationships, the silence about any rumors surrounding Shakespeare is noteworthy. In an era where it was common for men to be seen with a mistress and a catamite, the absence of such gossip about Shakespeare further complicates the narrative of his sexuality.

Conclusions and Historical Context

Much like any historical inquiry, the burden of proof lies with those making the claim. In the case of Shakespeare's sexuality, the available evidence is insufficient to make a definitive conclusion. The sonnets, while offering a fascinating glimpse into the poet's emotions, also provide a mix of romantic and platonic relationships, making it difficult to extract a clear picture of Shakespeare's sexual orientation.

Therefore, it is more accurate to say that the evidence does not support the claim of Shakespeare being gay, with the caveat that there is also a lack of sufficient evidence to draw a firm conclusion. The true nature of Shakespeare's romantic relationships remains a topic for speculation and further research.