Shakespeare: The Man and His Perceptions During His Lifetime

William Shakespeare, one of the most revered literary figures in history, was perceived in various ways during his lifetime. He was known for his plays, poetry, and financial success, yet his true standing in his own era remains largely a matter of conjecture.

Perceptions and Envies

Shakespeare faced both admiration and suspicion during his lifetime. Some contemporaries acknowledged his talent but were envious of his success. For instance, Ben Jonson, one of Shakespeare's contemporaries, once inscribed 'He was not of an age, but for all time!' in To the Memory of My Beloved, the Author Mr. William Shakespeare 1572-1637. This quote highlights the far-reaching impact of Shakespeare's works, even as his contemporaries struggled to match his success.

Financial Success and Real Estate

Financially, Shakespeare was quite successful, particularly through his business acumen. He purchased expensive real estate in Stratford-upon-Avon, indicating his financial wealth. Shakespeare, however, was more than just a playwright; he was also involved in theatrical management and production, enhancing his financial status significantly.

Limited Praise and Recognition

During his lifetime, Shakespeare did not receive the same level of recognition that he would enjoy posthumously. While contemporaries like Jonson respected him, this admiration was not always evident while he was alive. Jonson himself, who would become one of Shakespeare's most vocal critics during his lifetime, also praised him in his journal late in life, suggesting that Shakespeare's standing was not always universally acknowledged in his own time. Some colleagues and acquaintances respected him, but the extent of this respect within the theatrical community remains unclear.

Shakespeare in Historical Context

Shakespeare was born into the Elizabethan era, a time when theatre was not considered a lasting art form. Plays were often published for profit rather than posterity. However, after his death, his colleagues compiled his works in the First Folio, recognizing the artistic significance of his contributions. This posthumous accolade is a clear indication of the respect his contemporaries had for him, even if much of it was not vocalized during his lifetime.

Contemporaries and Success

Shakespeare's contemporaries wrote plays that aimed to comment on contemporary England and political satire. They often collaborated and engaged in friendly rivalry, which was a common feature of the theatrical community. Despite their success, Shakespeare stood out because he was not only a prolific writer but also managed to maintain a successful business, both in Stratford and in London. His ability to write across genres—romance, history, tragedy, and comedy—and stage hits after hits made him stand out among his contemporaries.

Personal Life and Relationships

Shakespeare maintained friendly relationships with his fellow actors and playwrights, often collaborating with them. He is known to have played pranks on his colleagues and continued socializing with them even after his retirement. His personal life, however, was somewhat aloof; there are anecdotes suggesting he avoided social engagements and focused on his work. His associations extended to his will, where he remembered his London theatre buddies, despite moving back to Stratford three years earlier. This indicates that his literary and theatrical relationships were indeed significant in his life.

Emergence as a Literary Giant

Shakespeare's fame emerged relatively quickly after his arrival in London, sometime between 1589 and 1592. Robert Greene's snide remarks in his dying treatise A Groatsworth of Wit marked one of the earliest mentions of Shakespeare in print. By 1594, Shakespeare was a member of the Chamberlains Men, and by 1598, his name was beginning to appear on play bills and books. His plays became bestsellers, and his poetry remained popular for decades after his death, contributing to his increasing reputation as a master of both romance and tragedy.

Challenges and Success

Shakespeare faced the challenges of a dangerous and competitive profession. The theatre was a business where plays were marketed based on their popularity and frequent performances. Even with such challenges, he managed to achieve financial success, buying expensive real estate and investing in the business of dramatizing history and romance. Despite threats from harsh censorship laws, Shakespeare managed to sustain a career that could be described as a continuous string of successes.

Legacy and Legacy of Praise

Shakespeare's legacy truly began to take root after his death, with the publication of the First Folio in 1623. This compilation of his works, compiled by his friends and colleagues, was an expensive and labor-intensive effort. The tributes in the First Folio and the subsequent reverence by poets like John Dryden in the mid-17th century further cemented Shakespeare's status as a literary giant. While his contemporaries did recognize his talent, much of this respect was expressed posthumously, emphasizing the lasting impact of his works.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Shakespeare's contemporaries recognized his genius and talent, much of this recognition was limited during his lifetime. His financial success, ability to write across genres, and the respect he garnered from his colleagues made him stand out among his peers. The fact that his works survived the test of time and continue to be performed today speaks to the enduring impact of his contributions to literature and theatre.