12 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About William Shakespeare
10. Shakespeare Wrote His Plays By Candlelight... When In Fact Wax Was Very Expensive And Most Authors Worked During The Day
Often in contemporary media Shakespeare is shown sitting in his study on an evening, writing away on paper lit dimly by wax candles positioned on his desk - giving the impression that this is how many of his great works were created. However, the reality is likely to have been somewhat different. Wax candles were extremely expensive during the 16th and 17th Centuries - and, although most households had them, they were mostly used only in emergencies. The likelihood is that Shakespeare, similar to most other writers at the time, worked on his plays during the day so he could write in natural daylight, then used his evenings to socialise with friends.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
Often in contemporary media Shakespeare is shown sitting in his study on an evening, writing away on paper lit dimly by wax candles positioned on his desk - giving the impression that this is how many of his great works were created. However, the reality is likely to have been somewhat different. Wax candles were extremely expensive during the 16th and 17th Centuries - and, although most households had them, they were mostly used only in emergencies. The likelihood is that Shakespeare, similar to most other writers at the time, worked on his plays during the day so he could write in natural daylight, then used his evenings to socialise with friends.