“I give unto my wife my second best bed with the furniture.”
- April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616
- Born in England
- Playwright, poet, actor
- Wrote many masterpieces such as “Hamlet,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Macbeth,” and had a great influence on English literature
Quote
“I give unto my wife my second best bed with the furniture.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Will of William Shakespeare (his actual will) is famous for its somewhat unexpected bequest to his wife, Anne Hathaway. “I give unto my wife my second best bed with the furniture” refers to the fact that Shakespeare left his wife his second-best bed, rather than his best one, which has been interpreted in various ways. On one hand, the second-best bed, often seen as an ordinary, less prized possession, could imply a certain lack of affection or even a coldness in his relationship with his wife. On the other hand, the mention of “furniture”—which likely refers to bedding, sheets, and other essentials—could suggest that the bed was a shared one, implying a closeness or practicality in their relationship. Some interpretations suggest that this bequest may have been symbolic of their shared life together, with the second-best bed representing the comfort of daily life rather than grand gestures.
In modern contexts, this quote often raises questions about love, relationships, and legacy. The act of giving a second-best bed instead of the best could be seen as an expression of practical love or as a reflection of the complexities of human relationships. It may challenge the notion of romantic idealism by suggesting that relationships often involve compromises and practical choices rather than grand, idealized gestures.
This bequest is often interpreted in various ways: some see it as a simple, everyday love, while others might view it as a comment on Shakespeare’s view of his marriage or even as reflecting the realities of family life in the 16th century, where beds were considered valuable but not necessarily symbolic of deep affection. Ultimately, this quote speaks to the imperfections and complexities of both relationships and human intentions, and invites reflection on what it means to leave behind a legacy of love and connection.
