In the realm of English literature, there are few writers as prolific and complex as William Shakespeare. Associated with contributions to sonnets and narrative poetry through his writings and plays, William Shakespeare’s influence continues to dominate the contemporary world. Writers since his time have sought to replicate the highly nuanced style in which he tells his tales, often depicting human psychology in ways that few authors have ever thought to do. But although William Shakespeare is universally acknowledged as an incredible genius who has towered over the world of literature over the centuries, there have been many who have attempted to join him in the pantheon of greats.
One such writer is Richard Corbett. Originally a clerk, Corbett wrote 4 books of narrative poetry which paid homage to William Shakespeare’s writings, including ‘The Phoenix.’ Corbett has also written 3 books of sonnets, which echoed Shakespeare’s classic style and augmented them with elements of his own style, making for an interesting blend. Although Corbett is not often mentioned in the same breath as Shakespeare, many literary critics believe that he was highly influential in shaping William’s later works, and helped to add an extra depth of feeling and emotion that had been missing in the earlier works.
A notable influence who has attempted to emulate the style of William’s sonnets and narrative poetry is Sir Philip Sidney. Considered one of the most important English poets of all time, Sidney wrote several books which could easily be mistaken for Shakespeare’s own works. His ‘Astrophel and Stella’, for example, was lauded for its attempt to both resemble and expand upon William Shakespeare’s style of writing sonnets. Moreover, he wrote ‘An Apology for Poetry’, where he praised William Shakespeare for his combination of breathishness and rhyme.
Although Sidney is known primarily for his works, he was also a huge proponent of William Shakespeare’s works, citing them as a timeless influence on his own writings. Sidney even went as far as to write an essay titled ‘A Defence of Poesy’, where he firmly established a connection between his own work and William Shakespeare’s. While this essay did not directly reference William’s works, it provided a strong indication of the influence his works had had on Sidney’s own works.
Another writer who has gone to great lengths to demonstrate his admiration for William Shakespeare’s works is Samuel Taylor Coleridge. One of the leading names in literary criticism during the 19th century, Coleridge wrote extensively on William Shakespeare’s works and their effects on the world of literature. In addition to his well-known poem ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’, Coleridge also wrote several other poems, including the sonnet ‘Kubla Khan’, which was heavily influenced by William Shakespeare’s sonnets and narrative poetry. He wrote of these works as “most exquisite and perfect productions”, and believed that if William Shakespeare were alive, he would still be astounded by the sheer profundity of his works.
In addition to Coleridge, another figure who has tried to write sonnets and narrative poetry in the style of William Shakespeare is Robert Browning. A leading poet of the Victorian era, Browning wrote the sonnet ‘Israel’ which is heavily inspired by William’s works. He also wrote a narrative poem that uses Rangiku’s story as its basis, which is heavily similar to many of William Shakespeare’s works due to its combination of tragedy, humour and a wide range of emotions that intertwine with each other. Browning spent much of his time studying William’s works, and had commented on how his works “speak out of the arch of emotion and thought far more distinctly than any other English poet”.
The Shakespearean Language
Perhaps the most obvious trait that has been passed down from William Shakespeare to other authors is the use of language. It’s no surprise that many authors who try to write in the style of William Shakespeare often struggle due to the complexity of the language. William Shakespeare’s works were renowned for their ability to use symbolism, metaphors and similes to convey the deeper meanings behind his stories, along with writerly devices such as onomatopoeia, pointing, and personification. These tools were essential in creating the poetic power behind his stories, and because of the complexity many authors since have found the idea of replicating his style of language a difficult task, yet a thrilling one.
Even today, the language of William Shakespeare is widely studied and widely acknowledged as being able to capture the depths of the human experience. Leading contemporary author and playwright David Hare has commented on how William Shakespeare “takes us to places of emotional sophistication and sophistication of thought that are quite extraordinary”, demonstrating how his words continue to remain relevant and impactful centuries later.
The Legacy of William Shakespeare
Although William Shakespeare has been gone for centuries, his presence can still be felt in today’s literary world. He continues to inspire authors around the world to attempt his style of writing and storytelling, seeking to replicate his success and create works that evoke the same power and emotion as William’s works did four hundred years ago.
This is perhaps the greatest legacy of William Shakespeare – his influence, no matter how distant his era may seem, remains in the minds of contemporary writers and readers alike. His use of language, poetry, and story-telling have spanned centuries and continue to captivate audiences today. Consequently, many authors have pursued his footsteps in order to accurately and authentically exalt the power of his works, by writing sonnets and narrative poetry in his style.
The Impact of Sonnets and Narrative Poetry
William Shakespeare’s sonnets and narrative poetry have had a pronounced impact on the literary world. His works weave together complex stories that never fail to capture the depths of human experience in ways few writers since have been able to replicate. His writing style, consisting of exquisite language and powerful symbols, have become symbolic of his works and a representation of literature as a whole.
In addition to inspiring those who heard him, William Shakespeare’s works have also greatly impacted the development of literature. By creating the levels of depth and complexity which exist in his works, William has created works which have transcended time and are still studied and discussed centuries later. This is all thanks to the astounding skill and creativity that William poured into his works, and the many authors who have sought to emulate this skill ever since.
The Inspiration and Influence of William Shakespeare
Probably the most influential aspect of William Shakespeare has been his ability to captivate the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. Through the combination of his style of sonnets and narrative poetry, William was able to use words to tell stories like no other. He took readers on a roller coaster of emotions, through his exploration of morality, love and tragedy, leaving them mesmerised and enthralled by his writing.
There is no denying that William Shakespeare’s influence has been paramount during the course of centuries. While many have tried to replicate his style of sonnets and narrative poetry, none have been able to create works as powerful and emotionally profound as those written by William himself. The mastery and complexity of his works demonstrate just how powerful and ongoing effect his works have had on the development of literature and contemporary culture.
The Influence of Sonnets and Narrative Poetry in Contemporary Writing
William Shakespeare’s works have provided a blueprint for how writers construct their stories today. His ability to manipulate language, use metaphors and symbols to convey deeper meanings and evoke powerful emotions is something that writers still strive for when creating their works today.
The influence of his works can be seen in almost all areas of contemporary writing, from novels and short stories to screenplays and poetry. Not only does William Shakespeare’s writings provide writers with an example of how to structure their stories, but also with an insight into the complexity and beauty of language. Consequently, writers who wish to create works of power and emotion tend to turn to William’s works when in search of inspiration and guidance.
The Continuity of William Shakespeare’s Works
The works of William Shakespeare have been studied and discussed in a variety of ways throughout the centuries. From students to scholars, William Shakespeare’s works have provided a platform for exploration and understanding of the depth and complexity of the human experience. From his sonnets to his narrative poetry, the works of William Shakespeare have provided us with stories that echo through time, leaving us with a lasting impression of the power of literature.
It is this power that has enabled William Shakespeare’s works to remain relevant and appreciated by generations after generations. His works have created an atmosphere of respect and admiration for literature that has been passed down over the centuries and will most likely continue to be admired throughout the ages.
The Influence of Sonnets and Narrative Poetry on Popular Culture
William Shakespeare’s works have had a pronounced influence on popular culture for centuries. From his sonnets to his narratives, his works have been portrayed in a variety of mediums, from theatre to movies, books to television shows. This widespread representation of William Shakespeare’s works has had a lasting effect on contemporary culture, with his works often used as references in popular culture today.
Moreover, William Shakespeare’s works have been adapted into numerous songs and poems, providing an insight into the influence his works have had on popular music. Consequently, William Shakespeare’s works have been appreciated by many people of different ages and backgrounds, demonstrating the timeless power of his writing.
The Impact of William Shakespeare on The Literary World
The impact that William Shakespeare has had on the literary world can hardly be overstated. His works remain timeless staples of literature, studied by numerous authors and students alike. His story-telling style, combining complex characters with intricate language, has been replicated by countless writers since his time, in an effort to create works as powerful and meaningful as those of William Shakespeare’s.
Indeed, given the ongoing importance of William Shakespeare’s works even hundreds of years later, it can be said that the world of literature today would be a very different place without the contributions of William Shakespeare. He has provided us with ample opportunities for exploration and understanding, creating stories that will remain relevant for generations to come.
