In the world of Shakespeare’s works, words carry layers of meaning, and “will” is one of the most intriguing terms. While the word itself may seem simple on the surface, its usage in the writings of William Shakespeare reveals much about the cultural, philosophical, and psychological dimensions of the time. This article explores the multifaceted nature of the word “will” in Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets. Through an examination of both its literal and figurative meanings, we will uncover how Shakespeare used “will” to explore human desire, fate, power, and identity.
The Basic Meaning of ‘Will’
To begin with, “will” in its simplest form refers to a person’s desire or intention. It is derived from the Old English word “wyllan,” which referred to a person’s intent or determination. In the context of Shakespeare’s era, “will” often denoted one’s determination to act, the decision-making power, and the idea of volition or choice.
The term could easily be connected to human agency, indicating the ability of a person to make decisions or enact actions based on their desires. Shakespeare frequently uses “will” in this sense in his plays, where characters assert control over their own destinies, or struggle against external forces that challenge their autonomy.
For instance, in Hamlet, the protagonist frequently contemplates his own “will” or ability to act. The famous soliloquy “To be or not to be” is, in part, a meditation on Hamlet’s ability to decide the course of his own life. He reflects on the role that willpower plays in his actions—or in his case, his inaction. Shakespeare here uses the word to signify internal conflict, as Hamlet is torn between his desire for revenge and his uncertainty about whether to act on it.
Will as Desire and Passion
In Shakespeare’s works, the word “will” often extends beyond the realm of intellectual decision-making into the realm of desire, especially when it refers to romantic love. In many of his plays, characters speak of love and passion as being driven by “will”—a will that may or may not be under their control.
In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, for example, the idea of “will” is deeply entwined with the magical influence of the fairy realm. The love potion, which causes characters to fall in and out of love based on whim, reflects how desires and intentions are often not guided by reason. The characters in this play frequently act on their will, or their desire, but this will is often manipulated or confused by forces beyond their control, such as magic or the influence of other people. In this sense, Shakespeare is exploring the theme of love as something that is both self-directed and subject to external manipulation.
The word “will” is also central to the dynamics of romantic relationships in plays like Twelfth Night and The Taming of the Shrew. Characters in these plays often discuss “will” in terms of choosing a partner, controlling their desires, or even having the power to shape or redefine the terms of romantic relationships. For example, in Twelfth Night, Orsino’s repeated declarations of love to Olivia revolve around the idea of will—his personal desire for her is relentless and unyielding, and he expresses his will to win her affection, despite her own resistance.
Will as Power and Authority
Beyond individual desire, “will” also takes on the meaning of power and authority. In Shakespeare’s historical plays, the concept of will is crucial in understanding the relationships between rulers and their subjects. Kings, queens, and political leaders often invoke their will as a symbol of their authority to rule, as well as their control over the fate of others.
In Julius Caesar, for instance, the titular character’s ambition is tied to his will to expand Rome’s empire and to consolidate power. The conspirators in the play argue that Caesar’s “will” is dangerous to the Republic, and they must act to control it. In this context, “will” signifies not only the ruler’s personal desires but also the authority granted to them by their position. The phrase “The will of Caesar” becomes a symbol of the power one wields over others, a power that others may wish to either ally with or overthrow.
The political themes of will and authority also emerge in Macbeth, where Macbeth’s ambition and his unchecked desires for power are constantly in conflict with the forces of fate and morality. Throughout the play, characters such as Lady Macbeth and Macbeth himself express a determined will to attain the throne, but this will often blinds them to the consequences of their actions. Macbeth’s downfall illustrates how unchecked “will”—when it comes from a place of selfish desire and moral disregard—can lead to tragic consequences.
Will and Fate: The Struggle for Control
The tension between will and fate is one of the most prominent philosophical themes in Shakespeare’s works. While characters often express their “will” or desire to control their lives, they are frequently confronted by forces beyond their control—fate, fortune, or the will of the gods. This struggle between personal desire and the uncontrollable forces of fate creates dramatic conflict and highlights the limits of human agency.
In Romeo and Juliet, for example, the tragic fate of the titular characters seems to be set in motion by the “will” of their families and the enmity between the Montagues and Capulets. Yet, their desire for each other, their personal will to be together despite the odds, drives the plot forward. The play constantly raises the question: to what extent can their will—their desire to love freely—alter their fate? In this play, fate and will are constantly in tension, and Shakespeare uses this duality to underline the fragility of human agency in the face of forces that seem beyond control.
Similarly, in King Lear, the conflict between will and fate plays out on a grand scale. Lear’s will to divide his kingdom according to his daughters’ professions of love leads to his downfall, while the characters who try to oppose his decisions, such as Gloucester and Kent, also struggle to reconcile their own wills with the fate that seems thrust upon them. Lear’s tragic journey is a powerful exploration of how the human will can be thwarted by forces beyond one’s control, whether they be fate, nature, or the will of other individuals.
Will as Identity and Character
Another important dimension of “will” in Shakespeare’s works is its relationship to identity and character. A character’s will is often intertwined with their sense of self, as it reflects their motivations, values, and actions. In many of Shakespeare’s plays, characters assert their will as a declaration of who they are and what they believe in.
In The Merchant of Venice, for example, Shylock’s insistence on the bond he has made with Antonio is an expression of his will—his determination to uphold the contract regardless of the consequences. Shylock’s adherence to his will is a reflection of his character, and his inability to reconcile this will with the mercy extended to him by others leads to his downfall. The question of whether Shylock will allow his sense of identity as a strict adherent to the law to define him, or whether he will adapt to new circumstances, is central to the play’s exploration of justice, mercy, and identity.
Likewise, in Othello, the tragic hero’s jealousy and his desire for control over his own life and relationships are driven by his will to assert his authority and maintain his identity. Iago manipulates Othello’s will and self-perception, leading him to believe that his wife Desdemona is unfaithful. The manipulation of Othello’s will is central to the tragedy, highlighting how a character’s internal desires, and the will to maintain one’s identity and honor, can be so easily disrupted by external forces.
Conclusion
The word “will” in Shakespeare’s works is a complex and multi-dimensional concept. It represents both individual desire and external authority, personal power and fate, internal conflict and the struggle for identity. Shakespeare masterfully uses “will” to explore deep human emotions and experiences, such as love, ambition, power, and the search for meaning in a world full of uncertainties. In doing so, he creates characters whose wills drive the plots of his plays, and whose struggles with their desires, actions, and fates resonate with audiences to this day.
Through an analysis of Shakespeare’s use of “will,” we gain insight not only into the personal motivations of his characters but also into the larger philosophical and cultural questions of his time. Ultimately, the exploration of will in Shakespeare’s works invites us to reflect on our own lives, desires, and the forces that shape our destinies.
