An Imaginary Episode in the Lives of William Shakespeare and John Fletcher
Horace Howard Furness Jr.
Philadelphia & London: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1920
Furness’s short play is a window into Shakespeare’s lodgings in London around 1613, with scenes that feel both intimate and authentic. First, Shakespeare despairs that the public only likes comedy, not the histories and tragedies he values, and his real-life collaborator John Fletcher cajoles him into continuing work. Next the landlord’s daughter and grand-daughter visit, bringing marchpane and asking for help from their long-time friend in settling a (historical) family dispute. Finally, two neighborhood youths Jack and Noll pay a call, and their admiration for the tragedies and histories restore Shakespeare’s hope. He encourages them in turn in their ambitions to be poet and king respectively. The authentic tone gives way and we learn the youths’ last names: Milton and Cromwell. However, this delightful Shakespeare is the kind of man who many would like for a collaborator, neighbor or mentor. -CP