Mcsweeneys iconMcsweeneysMay 19, 2026 ~2 min source read

What I Imagine William Shakespeare Thought Every Time He Rewrote the Same Scene Over and Over Again

It is widely believed (by me, just now) that William Shakespeare revised his plays constantly, fueled by ambition, self-doubt, and whatever they drank instead of coffee back then. Based on that and vibes alone, here is what he probably thought each time he tweaked the same scene again.

What I Imagine William Shakespeare Thought Every Time He Rewrote the Same Scene Over and Over Again

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It is widely believed (by me, just now) that William Shakespeare revised his plays constantly, fueled by ambition, self-doubt, and whatever they drank instead of coffee back then.

Based on that and vibes alone, here is what he probably thought each time he tweaked the same scene again.

Halfway through revisions, and I have improved everything and also nothing.

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It is widely believed (by me, just now) that William Shakespeare revised his plays constantly, fueled by ambition, self-doubt, and whatever they drank instead of coffee back then. Based on that and vibes alone, here is what he probably thought each time he tweaked the same scene again. Halfway through revisions, and I have improved everything and also nothing.

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This one shall be perfect and require no further changes. Actually, what if he says it while holding a skull?

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