William Shakespeare was one of the most famous writers of his time, and his works still have an impact on our society today. He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, and is most renowned for his plays and poems. The question that many people ask is, ‘Why did William Shakespeare start writing poetry?’
The answer lies in the various influences in Shakespeare’s lifetime which can be seen as the prime motivators for writing. Firstly, the medieval society of which Shakespeare was a part was highly invested in literature and the arts. The reemergence of the humanities into society during the period from contemporary medieval times to Renaissance saw the rise of literature, art, and philosophy. This whole backdrop of the period inspired Shakespeare to delve into writing poetry.
In addition to this, it is believed that one of the major influences was his close association with the theatre. His induction into the theatre as a young actor and as a playwright was a tremendous achievement which was to have a lasting effect on his work. As an actor, he had the opportunity to observe the creative processes of some of the leading playwrights of the time, and gained insight into the techniques of constructing a play. This dramatically increased his creative ability and led him to explore different genres such as poetry and the sonnet form.
Furthermore, during his adult life, he was a member of the Inns of Court and some of his peers there were keen literary men. During this period, he developed a fascination for language which subsequently he imbued into his writing. Subsequently, he began to write poetry and drew inspiration from various sources in both classical and modern literature.
Finally, literature and poetic composition were significant in contemporary society. It provided a forum for social and political commentary on the society of the time. As well as being very much in tune with the intellectual climate, naturally Shakespeare felt compelled to try his hand at this form of expression. This undoubtedly enabled him to express his thoughts and feelings in a dynamic and vibrant way, which we can all still benefit from today.
Family & Education
William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. His father, John Shakespeare, was a successful leather merchant and his mother, Mary Arden, was the daughter of a wealthy local farmer. His family was relatively well-off and Shakespeare enjoyed a comfortable childhood.
William was likely educated at the local grammar school, and his sonnets, particularly those that deal with the themes of love, knowledge, and philosophical matters demonstrate the intellectual lessons he gained during that period. He also spent time with his family, playing games, attending theatre, and admiring the works of poets, playwrights and authors of the time.
Theater & Inspiration
It is believed that Shakespeare was first exposed to the theatre at an early age. The company of players he saw at Stratford’s Guildhall sparked his interest in the stage and the actor’s craft. This led him to embark on an adventure to travel and explore the theatrical world of London.
Shakespeare was instrumental in revolutionizing and cultivating the new form of theatrical theatre. He also sought out other sources of inspiration, including classical literature and the works of other contemporary playwrights and authors. Other than drama, Shakespeare also developed a keen interest in poetry and began to experiment in this genre as well.
Poetic Composition
Shakespeare’s poetic compositions were incredibly important to his development as an author. He first began to write poetry in the late 1580s and early 1590s, before he wrote his first play. These were often heartfelt and passionate works, which evoked strong emotions and intense feelings.
He began to write sonnets, which he intended as private expressions of love and admiration, as well as memorable and thoughtful works illustrating aesthetics, such as his ‘Venus and Adonis’ and ‘The Rape of Lucrece’. His sonnets reflect the relationships in his life, as well as his own unique experience of the world. In addition, he wrote other types of narrative, lyrical, and occasional poetry to celebrate political and social ideas of the time.
Legacy
William Shakespeare was ahead of his time and his influence on literature, art and culture is still felt today. From his plays, to his sonnets, to his longer poems, he has left a rich and diverse body of work which has formed the cornerstone of our culture.
His relevance today has been maintained over the centuries thanks to his mastery of the English language, his adeptness of form and his knack for creating vivid and memorable characters that are still adored to this day. It is for this reason that his works will continue to remain relevant for many years to come.
Style & Genres
Shakespeare’s work encompasses a range of genres, styles and techniques. He wrote in a number of poetic forms, including sonnets, epigrams, masques, pastorals and narrative poetry. He used a variety of poetic devices and figures of speech to create vivid, memorable imagery and to express emotion in his works.
His plays contained a mix of comedy, tragedy and stories exploring the human condition. His plays were often concerned with themes such as love, power and ambition. He also used language to explore ideas such as mortality, the nature of life and fate.
Adaptations & Influences
Shakespeare’s works have been adapted for performance, television and film in multiple languages both on stage and screen. His plays and sonnets are still a source of inspiration for artists and poets, and his influence is seen in literature, art and popular culture worldwide.
The impact Shakespeare has had on the English language is remarkable. He is estimated to have introduced over 2000 words and phrases into the English lexicon, which are still in use today. He is also remembered for his unusual and inventive use of syntax, which served as a model for writers and poets.
