The Shakespeare Stealer

The concept of identity is central in The Shakespeare Stealer, and this theme is reflected in the Shakespearean stage setting as well as the characters’ lives and conversations. Widge’s journey to discover his true identity is highlighted throughout the novel, but other characters undergo transformations of identity as well.

From birth, Widge has had a complicated relationship with his own identity. He does not know his parentage, and he was named by the caretaker of the orphanage where he spent his childhood. When the caretaker first saw Widge, she exclaimed, “the poor little pigwidgeon!” because he was very small and frail (3). She later shortened the word to Widge, and the name stuck.

Widge’s preoccupation with his name is evident throughout the novel, and his name is mocked multiple times by various other characters. Upon meeting the English queen, Widge is embarrassed by his name yet again. Later that night, he declares to Sander that his new name is Pedringano. This naming of himself reveals that Widge is now claiming an identity and a new life because the name “Pedringano” comes from Widge’s first line as an actor in one of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men’s plays.