William Shakespeare Individualistic Mindset

William Shakespeare was a highly acclaimed playwright who was a direct product of his time period, the English Renaissance. The world renowned poet and author was born in the year 1564, in Stratford-on-Avon, a small town in England to parents, John and Mary Shakespeare. Although there may be rough estimates and speculations regarding his day of birth, the actual date is still unknown. However, the date of Shakespeare’s baptism, April 26, 1564 is typically recognized as his “birthday.” Through his time living with his family in Stratford, William was one of seven children in the Shakespeare household. However, William eventually left his hometown, and divided his time between Stratford and London. Even though he may have temporarily left, he …show more content…
While hard work is a trait that is greatly valued throughout the world today, during the Renaissance especially, people strived to surpass the work of those who came before them. Additionally, they had their minds set on executing their art so diligently, that they would come as close to perfection as they possibly could. Considering that the Renaissance was mainly focused on reviving certain aspects of life, it was common for artists and writers, including Shakespeare, to “[view] themselves as innovators” (Werner L. Gundersheimer, 3). Based off of the many plays and writings of William Shakespeare, it can be seen that he revised his work to the extreme. This can be seen in the multiple versions of his writing that have been released over the years. He was quite focused on making sure that his writing style came across as smooth and effortless (Stephen Greenblatt, 189). The idea of revising his work countless times in order to make it flow off the tongue, greatly expresses Shakespeare’s desire to be respected in his field. His perfectionism is yet another sign showing that he is a product of his time. Also, as the idea of bound social rankings began to dissolve, people were more respected for their own achievements. Prior to the Renaissance, people’s achievements were judged based on those of their family, or even other from …show more content…
Through his many art forms, including his commonly known plays, William Shakespeare improved the world around him and forever altered the theater world. Humanism is the idea of leaving the world better than it was found, and appreciating it for its true beauty. Through his ability to make the audience feel certain emotions and feelings with his work, Shakespeare was truly utilizing humanism. The young poet and author introduced various new acting and theater techniques that are still commonly used today. Additionally, he intended on leaving the dramatic arts greater than he found them (Sir Sidney Lee, 588). Furthermore, this idea goes hand in hand with the concepts of individualism, as many people saw themselves as innovators. These two ideas were commonly found together during the Renaissance, considering the large role they played within this timeframe. Also, Shakespeare was extremely acclaimed for having the ability to make his audience feel something with his work. At one point or another in his career, he was even described as, “the man who of all modern and perhaps ancient poets had the largest and most comprehensive soul.” Not only was this a great compliment, and a nice example of his expression of humanism, but this playgoer continued in saying, “When he describes anything, you more than see it---you feel it too” (Sir Sidney Lee, 593). By creating these emotions and feeling through his