William Shakespeare, the renowned English playwright and poet, is often celebrated for his extraordinary contributions to literature. His plays have been performed and studied for centuries, and his poems, though less frequently discussed, also hold a significant place in literary history. While Shakespeare’s dramatic works are more widely known, his poetry, particularly his sonnets, are considered masterpieces in their own right. But just how many poems did Shakespeare write? The answer to this question is complex and requires an examination of the various types of poetry he created during his lifetime.
Shakespeare’s poetry spans a variety of forms, including sonnets, narrative poems, and other short verses. While there are definitive numbers when it comes to his most famous works, such as the 154 sonnets, the total number of poems he wrote is less clear. Some of Shakespeare’s poems are well-documented, but others exist only in fragments or in texts whose authorship is uncertain. In this article, we will explore the different types of poems Shakespeare wrote, the number of works that are attributed to him, and the challenges scholars face in determining how many poems he truly created.
Shakespeare’s Sonnets: The Core of His Poetry
Perhaps the most famous of Shakespeare’s poetic works are his 154 sonnets, which are universally regarded as some of the greatest poems ever written in the English language. These sonnets were first published in 1609, though it is believed that many were written earlier. The sonnets are divided into several thematic groups, addressing topics such as love, time, beauty, and mortality. Each sonnet follows a strict 14-line structure, adhering to the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet form, which consists of three quatrains followed by a final couplet.
The sonnets’ enduring appeal lies not only in their lyrical beauty but also in their exploration of deep human emotions. Through these poems, Shakespeare explored complex themes such as the nature of love, the passage of time, the frailty of human life, and the concept of immortality. The sonnets were intended to be read and appreciated individually, though some scholars argue that they form a cohesive narrative when read together.
The first 126 sonnets are primarily addressed to a young man, often referred to as the “fair youth,” while the remaining 28 sonnets are addressed to a “dark lady” and a “rival poet.” The sonnets have been interpreted in numerous ways over the centuries, with various theories suggesting different identities for the figures Shakespeare refers to in the poems. Regardless of their exact meaning or the identities of the people involved, the 154 sonnets are central to understanding Shakespeare’s poetic output.
Shakespeare’s Narrative Poems: “Venus and Adonis” and “The Rape of Lucrece”
In addition to the sonnets, Shakespeare wrote two major narrative poems: Venus and Adonis (1593) and The Rape of Lucrece (1594). These poems were both written in the 1590s and were highly popular during Shakespeare’s lifetime. They also represent some of his earliest works as a poet.
Venus and Adonis (1593)
Venus and Adonis is a narrative poem written in the form of a mythological tale. It tells the story of Venus, the goddess of love, and her unrequited passion for the beautiful young Adonis, who is more interested in hunting than in love. The poem explores themes of love, desire, and the consequences of unreturned affection. The poem is notable for its vivid imagery, emotional intensity, and the way in which Shakespeare plays with the classical mythological tradition.
At nearly 1,200 lines long, Venus and Adonis was a significant achievement for Shakespeare, demonstrating his mastery of the narrative form. The poem was highly successful in its time, and Shakespeare even used the profits from its publication to finance his acting career. The poem also marks the beginning of Shakespeare’s professional relationship with the publisher Richard Field, who went on to publish many of Shakespeare’s works.
The Rape of Lucrece (1594)
The Rape of Lucrece is a longer narrative poem, consisting of over 1,800 lines. It tells the tragic story of Lucrece, a noblewoman in ancient Rome who is raped by the king’s son, Tarquin. The poem explores themes of honor, shame, and revenge, as Lucrece ultimately takes her own life to preserve her honor. Like Venus and Adonis, The Rape of Lucrece was also well-received and was another commercial success for Shakespeare.
The poem’s intense emotional themes and its focus on the concept of virtue and loss resonated with Elizabethan audiences. The Rape of Lucrece is often considered one of Shakespeare’s finest narrative poems, showcasing his ability to delve deeply into complex emotional and psychological states.
Other Narrative Poems?
While Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece are the two most famous narrative poems written by Shakespeare, some scholars suggest that he may have written or contributed to other narrative works. However, no definitive evidence exists to confirm the authorship of any other narrative poems beyond these two. Thus, the number of Shakespeare’s narrative poems is generally considered to be limited to Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece.
Shakespeare’s Other Poems and Verses
Beyond the sonnets and the major narrative poems, there are several shorter poems and verses that are attributed to Shakespeare. Some of these are included in his plays, while others appear in anthologies or remain uncertain in authorship. Here, we will explore some of these lesser-known works.
Poems Within Shakespeare’s Plays
Shakespeare often included poetry within his plays, and these verses contribute to the overall richness and complexity of his works. While these poems may not be as well-known or as celebrated as the sonnets or the narrative poems, they are an essential part of Shakespeare’s poetic legacy. Some of the most famous poems within the plays include:
The Songs in Twelfth Night and As You Like It: Both of these plays feature songs that Shakespeare wrote for specific characters to perform. These songs, such as “O Mistress Mine” and “Under the Greenwood Tree,” are celebrated for their lyrical beauty and their ability to capture the mood and themes of the plays.
The Epitaph of Sir Thomas More: In the play Sir Thomas More (attributed to Shakespeare), there is a moving, poetic epitaph that reflects Shakespeare’s ability to write evocative and heartfelt verse. This poem, though not widely recognized as one of Shakespeare’s greatest works, still demonstrates his poetic skill.
Poems of Uncertain Authorship
In addition to the sonnets and the well-known narrative poems, there are other poems that some scholars believe may have been written by Shakespeare, though their authorship remains uncertain. These poems, sometimes published under his name, were often produced in collaboration with other writers or may have been misattributed to Shakespeare. Some of these poems include:
The Phoenix and the Turtle: This brief allegorical poem, composed of 58 lines, is often attributed to Shakespeare, though some experts dispute his authorship. The poem, which explores themes of love, fidelity, and death, is sometimes included in anthologies of Shakespeare’s works.
A Lover’s Complaint: This 1,000-line poem, often printed alongside Shakespeare’s sonnets, is sometimes considered to be part of his poetic canon, although its authorship has been debated. It tells the story of a woman who regrets her lost love and is written in a lyrical, melancholic style.
Total Number of Poems Attributed to Shakespeare
Considering all of the aforementioned works—his 154 sonnets, his two major narrative poems (Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece), the poems within his plays, and other uncertain works—the total number of poems attributed to Shakespeare is generally believed to be around 160. However, the exact number is difficult to confirm, as some poems remain of uncertain authorship, and others may have been lost or forgotten over time.
Challenges in Determining the Number of Poems
Determining how many poems Shakespeare wrote is complicated by several factors. First, there are issues of authorship: Some poems, such as The Phoenix and the Turtle and A Lover’s Complaint, may have been misattributed to Shakespeare or may have been written by other playwrights of the time. Second, some of Shakespeare’s poems have been lost or were never published in his lifetime, leaving gaps in the record of his poetic output.
Furthermore, Shakespeare’s works were published in a time when authorship was not as clearly defined as it is today. Many of his plays and poems were printed without his permission, and some were published posthumously. As a result, it is difficult to know the full extent of Shakespeare’s poetic endeavors, and scholars continue to debate which works can be definitively attributed to him.
Conclusion
While Shakespeare’s reputation as a playwright often overshadows his work as a poet, his poetry remains an important part of his literary legacy. The 154 sonnets and two major narrative poems, Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece, are central to his poetic corpus. However, there are other shorter poems and verses that have been attributed to Shakespeare, and the exact number of poems he wrote remains uncertain.
Despite the challenges in determining the exact number of poems Shakespeare authored, his impact on poetry is undeniable. His sonnets, with their profound exploration of love, time, and mortality, continue to be studied and admired by readers and scholars around the world. Whether through his sonnets, narrative poems, or the verses embedded in his plays, Shakespeare’s poetry endures as a testament to his literary genius and his mastery of the English language.
