Possible evidences of Shakespeare's religious affiliations

Abstract

From the end of the 18th century the figure of William Shakespeare has become especially controversial and various aspects of his life and work have been scrutinized and revised. Among them, his religion. This works provides some data that show his possible hidden Catholicism in the midst of the persecutions of the time or at least of a sympathy or affection towards Catholicism and towards the persecuted faithful. These pieces of evidence seem to indicate that the poet and playwright may have had connections and associations with Catholics, including his own father and daughter, who for example, appear on the lists of recusants to attend the new Anglican mass, which is of the utmost importance given the prevailing atmosphere of tension and persecution . Even though there are many signs of his Catholicism or at least his inclination towards Catholicism, the most representative testimony of his true faith or religious affinity will always be his plays, in which civilized order, tradition and authority turn out to be triumphant.