Briana Johnson

IDS 301
Mr. Blevins
10 October 2009
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, a town
in 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 London
in 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 Shakespeare’s playing field
(ERen2 5). However, because of Shakespeare’s 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 a
university 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 greatest
writers 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 theme
of 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 (Zahr
9-28-09). His world picture revolved around individual humanity. Because the
Renaissance emphasized autonomous and individual humanity, this shows that Shakespeare’s
world picture fit into the Renaissance period. Another element of the Renaissance that shows up
in Shakespeare’s 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 revival
of biblical and classical narratives, and his use of the English language.