Chapter 2 Summary and Analysis

"The Dream of Restoration" The first part of the chapter focuses on Will's father, John Shakespeare. Early in life, John marries Mary Arden, the favorite daughter of an aristocratic, wealthy landowner. He also begins a career as a glove-maker. In this context, the author notes references to gloves and the various leathers from which they were/ are made. These can be found in several plays, including Henry VIII, Hamlet, Twelfth Night and Midsummer Night's Dream. John Shakespeare also undertakes a second career in illicit wool-dealing, but nevertheless grows into a person of influence and importance. However, at some point and for undocumented reasons, John Shakespeare begins a slow, painful downfall into relative poverty and ill-repute. This aspect of his life, which develops within the context of economic downturn in the English midlands, is contrasted with the lives of other middle-class businessmen...