William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the history of English literature. His influence on poetry, drama, and the English language is unparalleled, and his works continue to be read, performed, and studied worldwide. However, the path to Shakespeare’s recognition as a success in his own time and the subsequent centuries was complex and gradual. While today he is celebrated as a literary genius, in his own era, his rise to success was neither immediate nor inevitable. This article will explore the different phases of Shakespeare’s career, examining when and why he was considered a success, particularly from the perspective of poetry and the broader literary landscape.
We will begin by looking at the early years of Shakespeare’s career, tracing his rise as a playwright and poet. We will explore his early works, the role of his plays in Elizabethan theater, and how his poetry contributed to his success. Next, we will analyze the factors that led to Shakespeare’s eventual recognition as a literary success during his lifetime. Finally, we will discuss the posthumous recognition of Shakespeare, focusing on the critical and academic elevation of his works in the centuries after his death.
Shakespeare’s Early Career: The Beginning of a Literary Journey
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, a period when the English Renaissance was flourishing. The Elizabethan era was a time of great cultural and artistic change, with the rise of humanism, the printing press, and the increasing popularity of theater. Shakespeare’s early life remains somewhat obscure, but by the late 1580s, he was already establishing himself in London’s theater scene.
Shakespeare’s Entry into the London Theater World
Shakespeare’s earliest years in London were marked by an exploration of theater and poetry. While the exact timeline of his career’s beginning is uncertain, it is generally agreed that he was likely involved in acting, playwriting, and perhaps some poetry by the early 1590s. His first plays—often considered to be “Henry VI,” “Taming of the Shrew,” and “The Comedy of Errors”—are thought to have been written during this period. These plays were performed by popular acting companies, with Shakespeare likely writing for the troupe known as Pembroke’s Men.
During this early stage of his career, Shakespeare gained recognition for his plays in the public theater. However, it was still far from clear whether he would become the literary icon he is considered today. Shakespeare’s plays, though popular with the general audience, were not initially considered the work of a literary genius. They were largely produced for entertainment rather than for literary or intellectual acclaim, and his works were often viewed as popular entertainment for the masses.
Early Poetic Success: “Venus and Adonis” and “The Rape of Lucrece”
Shakespeare’s first major poetic works, “Venus and Adonis” (1593) and “The Rape of Lucrece” (1594), played a significant role in his early rise to success. These narrative poems, written in the form of a series of linked verses, showcased Shakespeare’s talent for language and his ability to create vivid, emotive poetry. While Shakespeare’s plays were performed for popular audiences, his poetry, especially his narrative poems, was aimed at a more educated and aristocratic readership.
“Venus and Adonis” was Shakespeare’s first published work and became an immediate success. Its sensual themes and its elegant use of the English language appealed to many, and the poem earned Shakespeare a substantial amount of recognition. Shakespeare followed this success with “The Rape of Lucrece,” another narrative poem that, like its predecessor, demonstrated his skill as a poet. These two works helped to establish Shakespeare’s reputation as a writer, though they were not yet recognized on the same level as his later plays.
Early Recognition: Shakespeare’s Rise as a Playwright
By the mid-1590s, Shakespeare’s plays had gained a degree of popularity, and his growing reputation as a playwright began to secure him more consistent work. He became a member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, one of the leading theater companies in London, which provided him with the financial stability and support necessary to continue writing. Shakespeare’s plays during this period, such as “Romeo and Juliet,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “Richard II,” began to demonstrate the complexity and depth that would later define his reputation.
The success of these plays marked a turning point in Shakespeare’s career. Although they were well received by audiences, they still did not garner the kind of literary acclaim that would come later. Shakespeare’s reputation as a playwright continued to grow, but it was not until the end of the 1590s and the early 1600s that he began to be recognized as one of the greatest writers of the era.
The Height of Success: The Turn of the 17th Century
By the turn of the 17th century, Shakespeare had firmly established himself as a successful playwright. His works were not only performed regularly by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men but were also being printed and distributed. This period marked a significant shift in how Shakespeare’s work was perceived, both in terms of its artistic value and its place in the larger literary tradition.
The First Folio: A Major Milestone
One of the key milestones in Shakespeare’s recognition as a success was the publication of the “First Folio” in 1623, seven years after his death. The Folio was a collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays, compiled by his colleagues John Heminges and Henry Condell. It included 36 plays, 18 of which had never been printed before. The publication of the First Folio played a crucial role in preserving Shakespeare’s works and ensuring that his legacy as a playwright was cemented.
While the First Folio was published after his death, it provided a foundation for Shakespeare’s long-lasting success as a writer. The fact that his works were compiled into a single volume highlighted their significance and ensured their continued circulation. The Folio became an essential text for literary scholars and helped establish Shakespeare as the central figure in English drama.
Shakespeare’s Plays and Poetry: Recognition During His Lifetime
By the end of the 1590s, Shakespeare was regarded as one of the leading playwrights in London. His plays were performed regularly, and his poetic works, particularly his sonnets, began to be circulated more widely. Shakespeare’s plays, such as “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” and “King Lear,” are considered some of his greatest works, and their complexity and depth began to earn them recognition as masterpieces of English literature.
Shakespeare’s poetic style, particularly his mastery of iambic pentameter, his use of metaphor, and his exploration of themes like love, power, betrayal, and mortality, set his work apart from many of his contemporaries. The intellectual and emotional depth of his plays and poems was beginning to be recognized by critics and readers alike, but it was still a gradual process. Shakespeare’s popularity as a playwright continued to grow, but it was not until the 17th century that his works were regarded as the definitive achievements of English literature.
Shakespeare’s Impact on the English Language
Another aspect of Shakespeare’s success was his profound impact on the English language. His ability to coin new words and phrases, his experimentation with language, and his deep understanding of human nature helped shape the English language in ways that continue to influence writers today. Many of the phrases and words Shakespeare introduced are still in common use, and his plays have provided endless inspiration for generations of writers.
Shakespeare’s use of poetry in his plays, his sonnets, and his narrative poems demonstrated his command of language and his ability to express complex emotions through simple yet powerful verses. His impact on the development of English poetry and drama cannot be overstated, and it was this mastery of language that contributed significantly to his recognition as a success.
Posthumous Success: The Legacy of Shakespeare’s Works
Shakespeare’s success during his lifetime laid the foundation for his legacy as a writer, but it was in the centuries following his death that his works gained even greater recognition and reverence. His influence grew exponentially in the 18th and 19th centuries, and scholars began to regard his plays and poetry as the pinnacle of literary achievement.
The 18th Century: The Age of Shakespeare’s Reverence
By the 18th century, Shakespeare was universally acknowledged as the greatest English writer. His works were studied in schools, performed in theaters around the world, and revered by writers such as Samuel Johnson and Alexander Pope. The romanticized view of Shakespeare as a literary genius began to take shape during this period, and many critics and scholars started to examine his works in a more systematic way.
The 18th century saw the emergence of the “Shakespearean scholar,” with scholars and critics such as Dr. Samuel Johnson writing comprehensive works on his plays. Shakespeare’s poetry, particularly his sonnets, gained significant attention during this period, as critics began to appreciate the depth of his lyricism and his exploration of complex themes such as love, time, and mortality.
The 19th Century and Beyond: Shakespeare as a Cultural Icon
The 19th century further cemented Shakespeare’s place as a literary giant. In this period, Shakespeare became a cultural icon, and his influence extended far beyond the realm of literature. Writers such as Charles Dickens, Herman Melville, and Walt Whitman drew inspiration from Shakespeare’s works, and his plays were staged in theaters worldwide.
The 19th century also saw the rise of the “Shakespearean actor,” with figures like David Garrick and Edmund Kean performing Shakespeare’s works on stage with great acclaim. The study of Shakespeare’s poetry and plays became a central part of academic discourse, and his influence on literature, language, and culture grew even stronger.
Conclusion
William Shakespeare’s success as a writer was not immediate but rather a gradual process that developed over time. His early works, including his plays and poems, garnered some attention, but it was only in the late 16th and early 17th centuries that he achieved widespread recognition. By the time of his death in 1616, Shakespeare had firmly established himself as one of the leading playwrights of his time. However, it was only after his death, particularly through the publication of the First Folio and the increasing academic and critical attention in the centuries that followed, that Shakespeare became universally regarded as one of the greatest writers in English literature.
Shakespeare’s influence on poetry and drama is profound, and his works continue to be studied, performed, and admired. His ability to master the English language, explore the complexities of human nature, and create lasting works of literature ensured his place in the literary canon. Today, Shakespeare is not only considered a success as a writer, but he is also regarded as a cultural and intellectual figure whose contributions continue to shape the world of literature and beyond.
