Shakespeare's Insomnia, and the Causes Thereof

Imagine stepping back to the late nineteenth century, when scholars began to wonder whether the restless pace of modern life was stealing sleep from even the greatest minds. This audio work takes that question to Shakespeare himself, asking if the Bard was ever haunted by sleepless nights and what his own verses might reveal about such a condition. Drawing on contemporary medical theories, railway‑era anxieties, and the timeless observations of the playwright, the narrator weaves a thoughtful, slightly tongue‑in‑cheek investigation that treats insomnia as both a personal affliction and a cultural symptom.

The essay unfolds in a measured, Victorian‑stylized prose, peppered with quotations and reflections from Emerson, Dr. Holmes, and the plays themselves. Listeners will hear a blend of historical speculation, literary analysis, and gentle humor, all aimed at uncovering how a 16th‑century poet might have grappled with the same restless thoughts that trouble us today. It’s a compact, engaging journey that invites curiosity about the intersection of art, health, and the relentless march of progress.