8/7/2019 Zeitgeist 4

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Briana Johnson

IDS 301

Mr. Blevins10 October 2009

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, a townin Warwickshire, England (ERen2 1). Shakespeare did not have a university education,

but married Anne Hathaway at the young age of 18 and had a child with her six months

after their marriage. Shakespeare began his career as a poet and a playwright in Londonin 1592. He arrived on the scene at a promising time for theater because native drama had

prospered in England, mainly in biblical and allegorical interpretations of history (ERen2

5). It was a mix of classical and native traditions that set up Shakespeares playing field

(ERen2 5). However, because of Shakespeares lack of a formal university education,many readers doubt that Shakespeare could have written all the works that are attributed

to him (ERen2 4). It needs to be considered, however, that a university education is not

necessary for people to accomplish great things. Other writers like Thomas Dekker,

George Chapman, and Anthony Munday were all prolific writers who also lacked auniversity education (ERen2 5). Although he did not attend a university, Shakespeare still

became an English poet and playwright, and has been considered one of the greatestwriters in the English language (ERen2 13). He wrote everything from comedies to

romances to tragedies. Some of his most famous plays are: Romeo and Juliet, MacBeth,

and Hamlet, He wrote more than 37 plays and more than 150 sonnets. He died in 1616.

William Shakespeare is an excellent example of the Renaissance and of the themeof this part of the class. Basically speaking, the Renaissance is a movement from the

restrictive ideas of the Middle Ages (Messner 8-28-09). There was a shift from the

absolute power of God to a more secular focus on individual humanity and dignity(Messner 8-28-09). Shakespeare brought the views of the Renaissance to theater and

poetry. One way that Shakespeare reflects the Renaissance is in his world picture (Zahr9-28-09). His world picture revolved around individual humanity. Because theRenaissance emphasized autonomous and individual humanity, this shows that Shakespearesworld picture fit into the Renaissance period. Another element of the Renaissance that shows upin Shakespeares writings is his reflection on classical and biblical heritage (Zahr 9-28-09).

Shakespeare draws from the biblical narrative as well and classical Greek and Roman narratives

(mythology). Because of his reflection on the classical and biblical, he again represents the

Renaissance era. Shakespeare also represents the Renaissance in his wide use and expansion of

the English language. Shakespeare had more freedom because there was not a standard for the

English language yet (Zahr 9-28-09). He explored and used a wide range of words, and this

exemplifies the very nature of the Renaissance which is an emphasis on written and spoken

eloquence (Messner 8-28-09). Shakespeare was certainly an eloquent writer in the way that he

used the English language. Shakespeare reflects the renaissance in his world picture, his revivalof biblical and classical narratives, and his use of the English language.