The Birthplace is a short story by Henry James that was first released
in 1903 in his anthology. The tale shows James's doubts regarding
Shakespeare's authorship and is a sharp satire on the excesses of
bardolatry. The story also depicts a characteristically imaginative
Jamesian protagonist creating another reality in his presentation on
Bard's purported childhood activities, which goes beyond the specific
scholarly topic. Morris Gedge receives a favorable offer to take on the
role of custodian of Stratford-on-Shakespeare Avon's residence. James
twice used Shakespeare's name in his notebooks as he was drafting the
novel, so even though his name is not mentioned in the story, to Whom
"the highest Mecca of the English-speaking people" is dedicated is
obvious. After being appointed the custodian, Morris starts to question
the explanations he is made to provide to visitors. He begins to qualify
and fumble through his speech. His wife is distressed by this, and the
owners of the temple issue a warning. He gives a funny lecture about how
Shakespeare the child played around the house in the story's concluding
scene. Of course, tourist revenue grows and Gedge gets paid more.
