Shakespeare's Literary Contributions: Beyond the Plays
The Versatile Genius: A Poet and Dramatist
No, William Shakespeare did not just write plays; he was also a poet. In addition to his well-known plays, he wrote a significant body of poetry that has had a lasting impact on English literature. This article explores his poetic contributions and the reasoning behind the enduring value of great works.p>
Shakespeare and His Poetic Works
Shakespeare's poetic contributions are manifold, ranging from sonnets to narrative poems. His 154 sonnets, which explore themes of love, beauty, time, and mortality, are highly regarded for their emotional depth and innovative use of language. They are a testament to his genius as a poet and continue to be celebrated in academic and literary circles today.
Alongside his sonnets, Shakespeare also wrote longer narrative poems such as Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece. These works were quite popular during his lifetime and showcase his talent for storytelling and verse. The enduring popularity of these works speaks to the inherent value of a piece of art, regardless of the author's reputation.
The Irrelevance of Names in the Face of Art
The question often arises: does the identity of the author matter to the quality of the work? The answer is a clear 'no.' A beautiful or admirable thing rests on its own merits, not on the associated name. This principle applies to many great works of art, whether it's a painting, a poem, or a play.
The example of the pyramids of Giza being built by a tribe of traveling dormice, the Taj Mahal starting out as a Wimpy in Hounslow, or the Colosseum being a flat pack provided by a dodgy senator named Ikias, highlights that the intrinsic value of a work transcends conjecture about its origin. Similarly, Botticelli or Van Gogh's works are valuable for their artistic merit, not their association with famous names. An educated person knows that the quality of a work does not diminish because its author is unacknowledged or anonymous.
Shakespeare in Historical Context
Despite the importance of his writings, Shakespeare's educational background and historical context provide additional insights into the nature of his work. He attended a "grammar school," which, contrary to what the name suggests, primarily focused on teaching Latin grammar, as well as reading and writing in English and religious education. This background laid the foundation for his linguistic and literary skills.
Two important factors to consider when analyzing writers from non-modern periods are the absence of copyright and the economic incentives for writers. In Shakespeare's time, copyrights did not exist, and the market for printed texts was limited. As a result, writers borrowed, adapted, and embellished the works of others without much fear of retribution. The play Romeo and Juliet, for example, can be traced back to an earlier French poem.
The economic dependence of writers on patrons also shaped the content of their works. Writers often wrote plays and poems to flatter their patrons, and they would use historical sources like Holinshed's Chronicles to create literature that pleased their patrons. However, because there were few deep-pocketed nobles to support writers, other writers might spread rumors to gain patronage, thereby ensuring the patron's favor. Such was the competitive environment in which Shakespeare operated.
The Limited Forms of Entertainment in Shakespeare's Era
Beyond the economic and social context, the forms of entertainment in Shakespeare's era were much more limited than today. Plays were a significant form of entertainment that served not only to provide amusement but also to demonstrate the wealth of their patrons. Patronage was the bread and butter for many writers, and the influence of patrons extended to the content and style of their works.
Shakespeare's original patron was Lord Hunsdon, but he also later wrote for Queen Elizabeth and later James I. His plays often served to flatter and entertain these powerful figures, reflecting the influence of patronage in shaping the content of his works. This patronage system, while often necessary, also meant that the content of his works could be shaped by the tastes and demands of the patron.
In conclusion, William Shakespeare was indeed more than just a playwright; he was also a poet whose contributions to literature have left an indelible mark. His sonnets and narrative poems are as significant as his plays, and the intrinsic value of art should neither be diminished nor enhanced by the identity of its author. Understanding the historical context and the patronage system of his time helps us appreciate the complexity and depth of his work.