Subverting Literary Customs
William Shakespeare, born in 1564, is renowned for his immense contributions to English literature. Many consider him to be a revolutionary poet, as he subverted many of the conventional ideas during the Elizabethan era. He was famous for taking ideas from the classical world, culling from Latin, classical Greek, and Italian sources. He used the conventions of the day, then subverted them to create new ideas and forms, thus challenging the status quo. But what specifically was it about his poetry that changed English poetry?
His Innovative Use of Language
Shakespeare’s works are noted for their canonical beauty. But beyond the beauty of the verse, Shakespeare had a genius for puns and wordplay, illustrating a broad range of English words with both vivid imagery and metaphoric wit. His works demonstrate his creative use of language and words, engaging the reader not just through clever word play and imagery, but through deeper meaning and understandings of its usage.
His iambic pentameter, an unstressed then stressed syllable arrangement, together with the poetic phrases and sonnets, set the standard for later English poets. But it was Shakespeare’s choice of words that set him apart from other poets. He unerringly grasped the nuances and grammar of the language, constructing his poetry with a mastery of language that was unique for his time.
Bringing Characters To Life
But what really enamored audiences of his works was the depth of his characters. Never before had there been so much complexity given to characters. While he used the stock characters of the day, the regal King, the valiant Knight, and so on, his protagonists were far removed from those of the day. He gave them a level of humanization and frailty that was previously unseen in Classical literature. By humanizing the characters, Shakespeare allowed his readers to better understand the motivations, emotions, ambitions, and life experiences of characters, which in turn enabled them to better relate to them on an emotional level.
Themes Of Mortality
One of the key themes of Shakespeare’s poetry is mortality and the death of a loved one. He writes of deaths that were sudden and unexpected, ones that touch his characters to the core and leave them grief-stricken and inconsolable. His characters experience a mixture of emotions, from guilt and regret to sorrow and despair. Shakespeare understood the immense power of language and its ability to evoke emotion, and employed it to its fullest in his works.
By expressing these emotions vividly and poetically, Shakespeare changed the way people perceived death at the time and made it more tangible, more human. In this way, Shakespeare’s work is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is beauty and hope to be found, if you look hard enough.
Growing Popularity
In Elizabethan England, the public responded to Shakespeare’s writing with enthusiasm and awe. His tragedies, comedies and histories were staged often and to good review, making him something akin to a celebrity. His works were collected, printed and read by thousands of people, making him one of the most recognizable figures of that time.
His influence was not only limited to the UK, but was felt internationally as well, with productions of his plays in Germany, Italy, France and the United States. His works were translated into numerous languages and his influence spread far and wide, making English poetry a global phenomenon.
Influence On Modern English Poetry
Shakespeare changed the English language and its poetry in truly revolutionary ways. He redefined the way words were used, establishing new conventions and ways of speaking. Since then, his influence has been widespread and his imprint can be seen on much modern day English poetry and literature. Even today, writers draw on his works for inspiration and guidance.
And while many writers and poets before him had a noticeable impact, it was Shakespeare who truly changed the way English poetry and literature are looked at, forever changing its course and setting the bar for all writers who followed him.
Challenging the Standard Forms of Poetry
Shakespeare provided an innovative approach to the conventions of Elizabethan poetry. He rewrote the script, so to speak, and by doing so, opened up new possibilities for writers to explore. He challenged the standard forms of poetry and allowed writers to go beyond what had been accepted as the norm, thus enabling them to experiment with their work and push the boundaries of their art.
The innovation he brought to English poetry can be seen in the release of the sonnets, his most beloved works. They defied the traditional forms of the Petrarchan sonnet and delivered the reader into a world of heightened emotion, both tragic and comic. His works become instant classics, admired the world over and inspiring future generations of English poets.
Educating the Masses
Shakespeare’s work not only entertained, but educated as well. It taught readers about the complexities of language, politics, and the human condition. He addressed controversial topics like racism, sexism, and classism in his works, giving readers a rare opportunity to explore these issues in a way that would have been difficult for them to do if it had not been for Shakespeare.
His plays and poems were a source of learning, even for those who were not formally educated. He provided readers, both educated and uneducated, with a platform to explore timeless themes in an innovative and meaningful way.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Shakespeare’s influence is still pervasive in the English language today, and it’s safe to say that he has had a lasting impact on English poetry. His impressive command of the language and his mastery of poetic form and structure have enabled him to become one of the most influential poets of all time, still impacting generations centuries later.
His works have withstood the test of time, proving to be timeless classics that speak to audiences of every generation. He has and continues to shape the English language, and is undoubtedly one of the most important figures in literature to have ever lived.
