During Shakespeare’s time, people’s lives were often short. As many as one-half of the children born never lived beyond fifteen years and, thus, never reached adulthood. Also, the average lifespan of an adult was only thirty years. These short lifespans were due to the limited medical knowledge.
When Shakespeare began his writing career, Queen Elizabeth I had been on the throne for nearly thirty years, and by the time of her death in 1603 she had ruled over England and Ireland for forty-five years.
After Queen Elizabeth died in 1603, King James VI of Scotland was named her successor, and he became King James I of England. His new subjects were relieved to avoid civil war and invasion.
Generations of readers have wondered about Shakespeare’s romantic life and sexuality. Much of the speculation about Shakespeare’s romantic life has arisen in relation to his apparently strained marriage. After marrying Anne Hathaway and having three children with her, Shakespeare left his family for London. Although he returned to Stratford from time to time, Shakespeare spent the majority of his working life in the city. The most suggestive evidence that Shakespeare may have had a love life outside his marriage comes from his sonnets.