William Shakespeare is widely considered to be one of the greatest playwrights in history, with his works still captivating audiences centuries after their creation. From Romeo and Juliet to Hamlet to Macbeth, his plays have become staples of literature and theatre. But have you ever wondered what prompted Shakespeare to begin writing? What were the reasons, motivations, and influences that led him to embark on a writing career? In this article, we will explore the inspiration behind Shakespeare’s writing journey, the events that sparked his interest in writing, and the factors that drove him to become a renowned writer.
What Prompted Shakespeare to Begin Writing?
William Shakespeare is widely considered one of the greatest playwrights in history, renowned for his timeless works such as "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," and "Macbeth." But what motivated this literary icon to begin writing in the first place? What drove him to pursue a career in the arts and ultimately become one of the most celebrated figures in English literature?
While there is no definitive answer to these questions, scholars have identified several key factors that likely influenced and inspired Shakespeare’s writing journey. These include his childhood experiences, education, cultural and societal influences, and personal interests and passions.
Childhood Experiences
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 1564. He was the third child of John Shakespeare, a successful glove-maker, and Mary Arden, a local heiress. As a child, Shakespeare would have been exposed to the vibrant and colorful world of Elizabethan theater, as traveling troupes of actors often performed in Stratford.
In addition, Shakespeare’s father served as an alderman and later became mayor of Stratford, giving him exposure to politics and the workings of society. This early exposure to both the arts and politics likely played a role in shaping Shakespeare’s interest in theater and storytelling.
Education
Shakespeare’s formal education began in grammar school, where he would have studied subjects such as Latin, rhetoric, and classical literature. This provided him with a strong foundation in language and storytelling techniques, which are evident in his works that draw heavily from Greek and Roman mythology.
However, it is believed that Shakespeare may have left school at the age of 14 to help his father with the family business. Despite this, he continued to educate himself through reading and attending plays.
Cultural and Societal Influences
During the Elizabethan era, the arts flourished in England, with theater being a popular form of entertainment among all social classes. This cultural climate would have undoubtedly played a role in motivating Shakespeare to pursue a career in the theater.
In addition, Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled during Shakespeare’s time, was known for her patronage of the arts. She supported and encouraged theater and drama, providing a favorable environment for Shakespeare’s writing career to thrive.
Personal Interests and Passions
While Shakespeare’s early life and surroundings likely played a role in his decision to become a writer, it is believed that his own personal interests and passions were key factors as well.
Shakespeare was known to be an avid reader and a lover of literature. He was particularly drawn to the works of Ovid, Plutarch, and Chaucer, which heavily influenced his writing style and themes.
Furthermore, it is also believed that Shakespeare had a deep interest in human nature, which can be seen in his complex and multidimensional characters. His exploration of universal human emotions and experiences continues to resonate with audiences today, making his works timeless and relevant.
Motivations Behind Shakespeare’s Literary Pursuits
While the specific reasons that prompted Shakespeare to begin writing may never be fully known, it is clear that he was driven by a combination of personal motivations and external factors.
Financial Incentives
Like many writers and artists, Shakespeare likely saw an opportunity for financial gain through his writing. During his time, theater was a lucrative business, and successful playwrights could earn a good income. Therefore, it is likely that Shakespeare saw writing as a means to support himself and his family.
In addition, Shakespeare was also a part-owner of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, an acting company that performed his plays. This would have provided him with a share of the profits and further incentivized him to write and produce successful plays.
Love for the Craft
Despite any financial motivations, it is evident that Shakespeare had a deep love for writing and the theater. His works show a mastery of language, storytelling, and dramatic structure, which suggest a passion for the craft.
Furthermore, Shakespeare’s dedication to his writing can be seen in his extensive body of work, which includes 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems.
It is clear that Shakespeare was committed to his writing and poured his heart and soul into creating timeless works that continue to be loved and studied centuries later.
Influences That Led Shakespeare to Start Writing
In addition to personal motivations, there were also several key influences that likely led Shakespeare to begin writing.
Christopher Marlowe
One of the most significant influences on Shakespeare’s writing career was the playwright Christopher Marlowe. Marlowe was already a successful and well-established playwright when Shakespeare began writing. His works, such as "Tamburlaine" and "Doctor Faustus," were renowned for their use of language, characters, and themes, inspiring Shakespeare to develop his own unique writing style.
Some scholars even suggest that Marlowe may have been a mentor to Shakespeare, providing guidance and advice on his early works.
Theater Troupe Collaborations
Shakespeare’s writing was also influenced by his collaborations with actors and other writers. Many of his plays were written for specific actors in his company and were tailored to their strengths. This led to the creation of dynamic and memorable characters, such as Falstaff in "Henry IV, Part 1" and Viola in "Twelfth Night."
In addition, Shakespeare also collaborated with other playwrights, such as John Fletcher, on some of his later works. These collaborations may have sparked new ideas and approaches to writing, further influencing Shakespeare’s development as a writer.
Catalysts for Shakespeare’s Passion for Writing
While there were many influences that helped shape Shakespeare’s writing career, there were also specific events or moments that may have been catalysts for his passion for writing.
The Blackfriars Theater
In 1596, Shakespeare’s company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, acquired the Blackfriars Theater, an indoor theater with a more sophisticated and affluent audience than the Globe Theater, where they had previously performed. This move allowed Shakespeare to experiment with more complex and nuanced characters and themes, allowing him to showcase his talent and creativity as a writer.
Outbreak of the Plague
The outbreak of the bubonic plague in London in 1606 forced the closure of all public theaters, including the Globe. During this time, Shakespeare turned to writing poetry, and it is believed that he wrote some of his most famous works, such as "Macbeth," during this period.
The closure of the theaters may have also heightened Shakespeare’s desire to create and innovate, leading him to write some of his most ambitious plays upon their reopening.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the specific reasons and motivations that prompted Shakespeare to begin writing may never be fully known, it is clear that a combination of personal factors, cultural influences, and key events played significant roles in shaping his writing journey. Through his works, Shakespeare has left a lasting legacy and continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his universal themes and timeless storytelling.
References:
https://www.biography.com/writer/william-shakespeare
http://www.bardweb.net/marlowe.html
https://www.history.com/topics/british-history/elizabethan-era
Why Did Shakespeare Start Writing?
The reasons for Shakespeare’s decision to become a writer are likely a combination of financial incentives, personal interests and talents, and the cultural and societal influences of his time. Writing offered him a means to support himself and his family, while also providing an outlet for his love of language, storytelling, and human nature. Influences such as fellow playwright Christopher Marlowe and collaborations with other writers and actors also played a significant role in shaping and inspiring Shakespeare’s writing career.
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In conclusion, there were many factors that played a role in Shakespeare’s decision to become a writer. From his upbringing in a literary household to the cultural influence of Renaissance England, Shakespeare was surrounded by an environment that nurtured his passion for writing. Additionally, personal motivations such as financial stability and the desire for fame also drove him to pursue a career in literature. Furthermore, Shakespeare’s exposure to classical literature and theater, as well as his collaborations and competition with other playwrights, inspired him to create timeless works that continue to captivate audiences today. Ultimately, it was a combination of these influences and motivations that prompted Shakespeare to begin his writing journey and establish himself as one of the most renowned and influential writers in history.
