William Shakespeare, one of the greatest literary figures in history, produced a vast body of work that continues to inspire readers, actors, and scholars around the world. His literary contributions span poetry, drama, and prose, and his influence on the English language is immeasurable. However, when exploring the origins of his writing career, a fundamental question arises: What did Shakespeare first write?
Understanding Shakespeare’s earliest works requires examining the historical context, literary forms he experimented with, and the thematic elements that shaped his later masterpieces. This article will explore Shakespeare’s initial ventures into writing, the influences behind his early works, and the significance of his beginnings in literature.
Shakespeare’s Early Literary Environment
William Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, a small market town in England. Growing up during the Elizabethan era, he was exposed to a flourishing cultural and intellectual atmosphere. Literature, theater, and poetry thrived under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare was undoubtedly influenced by the works of classical authors, contemporary playwrights, and the rich oral storytelling traditions of his time.
During the late 16th century, English drama was evolving from medieval morality plays and mystery plays to more complex and sophisticated forms of storytelling. Playwrights like Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Kyd, and John Lyly were already making significant contributions to English theater. This literary environment provided Shakespeare with the perfect platform to hone his craft and establish himself as a writer.
Shakespeare’s First Published Works: Poetry
Before achieving fame as a playwright, Shakespeare initially gained recognition as a poet. His first published works were two narrative poems: Venus and Adonis (1593) and The Rape of Lucrece (1594). These long, lyrical poems were dedicated to Henry Wriothesley, the Earl of Southampton, who was one of Shakespeare’s earliest patrons.
Venus and Adonis
Venus and Adonis was Shakespeare’s first known published work. It was a narrative poem inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, a Latin epic that influenced many Renaissance writers. The poem tells the story of Venus, the goddess of love, who falls in love with the handsome mortal Adonis. Despite her passionate advances, Adonis rejects Venus and meets a tragic fate while hunting a wild boar.
This poem showcases Shakespeare’s early mastery of poetic language, vivid imagery, and dramatic storytelling. It became highly popular during Shakespeare’s time and was reprinted multiple times, establishing him as a poet of great talent.
The Rape of Lucrece
Following the success of Venus and Adonis, Shakespeare published The Rape of Lucrece in 1594. This poem is a tragic narrative based on a Roman legend about Lucrece, a noblewoman who is assaulted by Tarquin, the son of the Roman king. The poem explores themes of honor, virtue, guilt, and political corruption, demonstrating Shakespeare’s ability to tackle profound moral and philosophical issues.
Both Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece highlight Shakespeare’s early fascination with classical themes, dramatic tension, and poetic elegance. They also reflect the intellectual trends of the Renaissance, where writers often drew inspiration from Greco-Roman mythology and history.
Shakespeare’s Early Plays: Experimentation and Growth
While poetry helped Shakespeare gain recognition, it was his plays that cemented his legacy. Scholars generally agree that his earliest plays were written between 1589 and 1592, though exact dates are difficult to determine due to limited historical records.
First Play: Henry VI Trilogy
Many scholars believe that Shakespeare’s first play was Henry VI, Part 1, written around 1590. This historical drama, along with Henry VI, Part 2 and Henry VI, Part 3, explores the complex political struggles during the Wars of the Roses. The plays depict the conflicts between the houses of Lancaster and York, leading to the eventual rise of Richard III.
These early histories exhibit Shakespeare’s developing skills in character development, dramatic pacing, and political intrigue. They also reflect his keen interest in English history, which would later culminate in masterpieces like Richard III, Henry IV, and Henry V.
Early Comedy: The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Alongside historical plays, Shakespeare also experimented with comedy. The Two Gentlemen of Verona is considered one of his earliest comedic works. The play features themes of love, friendship, disguise, and mistaken identity—elements that would later define his greatest comedies, such as Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night.
While The Two Gentlemen of Verona is not as polished as Shakespeare’s later comedies, it provides valuable insight into his early storytelling techniques and use of poetic dialogue.
Early Tragedy: Titus Andronicus
Shakespeare’s first known tragedy is Titus Andronicus, believed to have been written in the early 1590s. This gruesome revenge play follows the brutal conflicts between the Roman general Titus and his enemies. The play is filled with violence, betrayal, and vengeance, influenced by the popular revenge tragedies of the time, particularly those of Thomas Kyd.
Although Titus Andronicus lacks the psychological depth of Shakespeare’s later tragedies like Hamlet or Macbeth, it demonstrates his early interest in dark themes and dramatic intensity.
Shakespeare’s Growth and Legacy
As Shakespeare gained more experience, his works became more refined, complex, and emotionally profound. The themes he explored in his early writings—power, ambition, love, betrayal, and fate—remained central to his later masterpieces. His ability to blend poetry with drama, historical accuracy with artistic interpretation, and comedy with tragedy set him apart from his contemporaries.
By the mid-1590s, Shakespeare had firmly established himself as a leading playwright in London’s theater scene. His continued success led to the creation of plays like Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Richard III, marking the transition from an experimental writer to a literary giant.
Conclusion
Shakespeare’s first writings, whether in poetry or drama, reveal a young writer eager to explore different literary forms and themes. His early works—Venus and Adonis, The Rape of Lucrece, Henry VI, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Titus Andronicus—laid the foundation for his later masterpieces. Each of these early writings showcases his evolving skill in language, storytelling, and character development.
Although he started as a poet, Shakespeare’s true genius emerged in the theater. His ability to capture human emotions, depict historical events, and create timeless characters ensured that his works would endure for centuries. Understanding what Shakespeare first wrote allows us to appreciate the journey of a young playwright who would go on to become the most celebrated figure in English literature.
