Shakespeare's Bones The Proposal to Disinter Them, Considered in Relation to Their Possible Bearing on His Portraiture: Illustrated by Instances of Visits of the Living to the Dead

"Shakespeare's Bones" by C. M. Ingleby is an essay that grapples with the contentious idea of exhuming William Shakespeare's remains, questioning what we stand to gain from disturbing the famous writer's final resting place. Set against a backdrop of historical exhumations of notable figures, the essay weighs the potential insights into Shakespeare's life and appearance, particularly his portraiture, against ethical concerns and public sentiment. Ingleby navigates the delicate balance between historical curiosity and reverence for the dead, pondering whether probing the playwright's physical remains could resolve enduring mysteries surrounding his identity and legacy. By examining previous instances of exhumation and the arguments for and against disturbing Shakespeare's grave, the essay provokes debate about the value of historical artifacts and the limits of our pursuit of knowledge.