Did shakespeare leave the second best bed to his wife?

Answer 1

Because the best bed was in the guest room for guests and visitors. The second best bed was always shared by the husband and wife. He probably left her the furniture because she was probably planning on staying in that house until her death a short time later.
People have speculated that this proves he did not actually die ...

Answer 2

Theories abound as to why Shakespeare made this request to his wife. Some think that it was an insult to her because he didn't like her well enough to give her the best bed. Others say that it was a gesture of affection because the first best bed was the guest bed, but the second best one was the one in which she and William had slept when they were together possibly since they were married.Another theory is on the will of Anne's father, who had lent them a bed to start their own life when they moved in with William's parents on Henley Street. He left the bed to Anne and Will in the pursuit that it does not leave the family. William could have left her the bed so that her father's will would not be disgraced.

It was common in that time period that the majority of the will would be left to the oldest child, and in turn, the oldest child would care for the widow. It is widely recognized that William left the bed for his wife as a remembrance token of him and her family before him, so when she moved in will John and Susanna, she would be comfortable.

Answer 3

People cannot agree on this. Some think he hated the bed and thought she would be better off with it. Others think that the bed was particularly special and important to both of them (because of being their marriage bed).

Answer 4

A number of possibilities have been suggested. First, the second-best bed may have been their marriage bed, while the best one was for guests. Second, the best bed may have been part of the wedding settlement when Susannah married Doctor Hall. That would also explain why almost all of Shakespeare's estate went to the Halls--it was the condition of Hall marrying Susannah.

Answer 5

Well, a lot of people used to think it was because he was not particularly fond of her, but recently people have started to think that it was because that particular bed was their wedding bed and had sentimental value. It has also been suggested that part of the deal in getting Dr. Hall for Susannah's husband was that they got the best bed.

Answer 6

He did, yes. People are divided on whethere that was a nice or a nasty thing to do: whether it was the bed with sentimental value, or he didn't like her well enough to give her the best bed.

Answer 7

She slept in it, of course. That's why Shakespeare gave it to her.

Answer 8

Yes, he did.