The Shakespeare Stealer

The Shakespeare Stealer follows Widge, an orphan trained in a special shorthand, who is tasked with stealing Shakespeare's Hamlet. Early on, Widge is sold to a stranger, Falconer, and embarks on a...

The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood explores themes of family, loyalty, and identity through the story of Widge, an orphan tasked with stealing Shakespeare's Hamlet. Widge's journey from an...

Key events and turning points in "The Shakespeare Stealer" include Widge's initial mission to steal Shakespeare's play, his growing attachment to the acting troupe, and his ultimate decision to...

Widge, the protagonist in Gary Blackwood's The Shakespeare Stealer, is a small, frail orphan who navigates life in Elizabethan England. Known for his slight build, he earned the nickname "Widge" from...

Falconer's secret identity in "The Shakespeare Stealer" is Simon Bass. Bass, an aging theater owner, assigns Widge to steal Shakespeare's Hamlet and uses his alter-ego, Falconer, to interact with...

In chapter 10, the only two who didn’t vote Widge in were the cannoneer and Nick.

Widge learns that friendship and loyalty make life worth living and are worth being brave and making sacrifices for. By discovering the power of friendship, Widge gets a whole new lease on life.

When Widge goes to the Globe Theatre to transcribe Shakespeare's Hamlet, he is at first afraid of being caught. Then he has difficulty keeping up with the speed of the play's lines and the quick...

Widge initially perceives Shakespeare as merely part of his mission but grows to admire his work and genius. Demonstrating intelligence, Widge learns quickly, adapts to new situations, and uses his...

In The Shakespeare Stealer, key settings include London, where much of the action takes place, particularly the Globe Theatre, which is central to the plot. Other important locations are the...

In "The Shakespeare Stealer," the phrase "you've brast me costard" humorously means "you've cracked my head." "Costard" is a Shakespearean term for "head," often used comically. "Brast," used by...

Widge's decision not to steal the play is influenced by his transformation and sense of belonging with the acting company. Initially an orphan and impostor, performing in front of Queen Elizabeth I...

In The Shakespeare Stealer, Widge is an orphan and apprentice to Simon Bass, who tasks him with stealing Shakespeare's play Hamlet. Initially, Widge views Bass as a master and authority figure, but...

Falconer dies in Chapter 27, the final chapter of "The Shakespeare Stealer." During a duel with Mr. Armin, Falconer initially seems to have the upper hand, wounding Armin. However, Armin skillfully...

Puns are prevalent in The Shakespeare Stealer, reflecting the Elizabethan wit and setting. One example involves a play on "beat," where Sander jokes about Mistress Willington's gentleness, saying she...

An important quote in The Shakespeare Stealer is "We play the roles others expect of us," spoken by Julia in Chapter 22. This quote is significant because it highlights the universal theme of...

Widge faces an inner conflict between loyalty to his new friends in a theater troupe and his mission to steal Shakespeare's Hamlet. Initially tasked with theft, Widge discovers a sense of belonging...

In "The Shakespeare Stealer," "shank's mare" means traveling on foot, using one's own legs. The term "shank" refers to the lower part of the leg, and "mare" is a female horse, so the phrase...

In The Shakespeare Stealer, Simon Bass’s house is described as “substantial.” The kitchen is “spacious” and is lit by real candles instead of rushlights. The relative grandeur of Simon’s home might...

Widge follows Sander into the lesson room because he has such a cheerful and friendly look on his face. This makes Widge swallow his misgivings and tag along with him.

The story concludes with Widge excelling in his performance, even earning praise from the Queen. However, tension arises when Nick is caught colluding with the Falconer to steal the play. Widge...

In chapters 21-24, Nick serves as a metaphor for the potential path Widge could take. Both characters navigate a world of unlimited choices and lack of moral guidance. Nick, the oldest apprentice,...

Mr. Hemings offers Julia a job collecting money from theatergoers after she gives up her role as Ophelia in Hamlet. Although well-intentioned, Julia perceives this position as a demotion, likening it...

Chris Beeston, an actor with Shakespeare's company, provides a crucial clue about Falconer, although he is not directly involved in unmasking him. Beeston discusses Simon Bass, noting his exceptional...

A "cobweb day" in The Shakespeare Stealer refers to a day with fine drizzle, described using a metaphor. The term evokes the image of cobwebs—light and delicate—representing the light yet persistent...

In Chapter 16, the author develops themes of loyalty, honesty, and the moral conflict between right and wrong. Widge faces a dilemma between remaining loyal to his master, Simon Bass, who sent him to...

In the first three chapters, Widge, the protagonist, is introduced as an orphan adopted by Dr. Timothy Bright to be his apprentice, learning literacy and charactery. In Chapter 2, Widge's unique...

Adam is a minor character who appears in Chapter Four of The Shakespeare Stealer. He steals Widge's money and runs off with it. Widge curses him roundly and silently, but cannot do anything to stop...

The journey to Leicester is arduous and tense, beginning with Widge following a silent stranger on foot through dense woods. Despite hoping to rest in Wakefield, they continue until Widge injures his...

Dr. Bright and Simon Bass in "The Shakespeare Stealer" are similar in their exploitation of Widge for personal gain. Dr. Bright, a cruel country rector, uses Widge's shorthand skills to steal...

Fighting in "The Shakespeare Stealer" generally does not resolve problems effectively, as demonstrated when Nick's attack on Widge fails to achieve its goal. However, fighting does resolve a major...

Julia's diary entry would likely express her astonishment and admiration for Widge's transformation. She might reflect on the significant growth and courage he has shown, especially in the context of...

Widge learns two skills at the orphanage: lying and catch-as-catch-can wrestling. Lying helps him navigate situations where he must deceive others, such as when he fails to transcribe Shakespeare's...

"The Shakespeare Stealer" is recommended for young adults, particularly middle school students, as it is accessible at about a 6th-grade reading level. It appeals to both boys and girls, offering a...

The author uses the many encounters with fencing to illustrate character, and to emphasise the importance of skill in this violent art.