MB UNIUD

William Shakespeare is considered the most preeminent literary composer in English
literature, a notoriety that increased after his death.
What are the reasons why he could reach such a relevant position?
At first he lived in a considerable period in English history: the reign of Elizabeth I, who promoted the development of Renaissance culture; Shakespeare approached to it during his childhood when he attended the "King's New School", near his hometown ,Stratford-upon-Avon.
Over there he studied grammar, rhetoric, logic, Latin: as a result he acquired the Humanistic spirit and discovered the value of the Classics.
In addition his parents led rural activities and he often helped them from administrative point of view: this skill gave him the possibility of playing an important role in the acting company he mainly attended, providing it a significant position in English dramatic scenery.
 
Besides his education he perfected his dramatic skills between 1585 and 1592, when he appeared like an established actor in London.
The lack of information referred to the period has been filled by the interview that some of our journalists have made to Shakespeare himself; the first questions were moved by the curiosity for the so-called "Lost Years" (1578-82 and 1585-92). Shakespeare stated that in the first period he didn't make anything important, he just finished grammar school's studies and married Anna Hathaway, who gave him three sons.
On the contrary the second one included several experiences who contributed to form a popular actor and playwright; he unveiled all documents about his first ascent were destroyed by rival composers, who didn't want to permit a man without a University formation to become so famous: «I was working in my hometown where many players visited me to ask for suggestions or education»
«Fortunately, he admitted, some of my admirers praised me in their works, like Robert Greene, whose dedication proves I was a respected player in London in 1592».
 
In the last years of the century Shakespeare's plays were popular, thanks to acting companies, such as Derby's Men, Sussex' Men and, in particular, Pembroke's Men, who welcomed Shakespeare; they performed the plays around South England, at Elizabeth's court or in English theatres.
The audience was enthusiastic: characters were so real, so human that they could identify in them, coping with own problems and finding precepts to solve intricate difficulties.
The first relevant reason in Shakespeare's success wsa the skill in embed human nature and in satisfying common people's expectations.
«I got worried when in 1593-94 a terrible plague constrained to close all theatres: I thought people would forgotten my works; I couldn't do anything...so I decided to get cracking at writing poetic compositions».
 
Fortunately Shakespeare's forecast was wrong: English audience hadn't forgotten his ability.
In 1594 the Chamberlain's Men offered him a place in the company, like a playwright and an actor: the way for a complete success is opened, the company is the best-known in London.
 
His name in the list of the troop's members is a solid proof that Shakespeare, born in 1564 at Stratford-upon-Avon, was the real author of the plays that scholars have attributed to him.
As a matter of fact the lack of documents about his life induced some doubts on the matter: maybe all the production is a fruit by Edward de Vere, or Bacon, or even Elizabeth I!
All hesitations were cancelled by the "First Folio", a collection of his works created by Henry Condell and John Heminge.
« As a member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men I had the possibility of meeting some skilled artists, such as Richard Burbage, the best actor and the brother of Cuthbert, heir of the Theatre: it was the first of its kind and it had to be torn down to be rebuilt in another place. »
Between 1597-1599 the greatest theatre was built in the Southwark district of London, the Globe Theatre; it could contain about 3000 spectators who frequently watched Shakespeare's plays and provoked their fast diffusion all over England.
Plays were performed on a stage, a level platform raised about five feet off the ground and supplied by some mechanisms (for examples trap doors); it was surrounded by the "pit", where people stood after paying one penny, without seats or any roof; Theatergoers who could pay two pennies sat down in three galleries. On the rear part of the stage there were a "tiring" house, where actors changed costumes, and two large columns that supported a roof; under the roof the wall was painted with clouds and the sky.
 
The Globe was opened to people from all social classes; educated individuals met vulgarious ones and Shakespeare's plays succeeded in satisfying both kinds of spectators: "buns" were used for illiterate people, while aristocrats could enjoy in discovering hidden sense, character's nature or sources used by the playwright.
As a matter of fact he exploited Plauto, Holinshed, Goffredo di Monmouth, Saxo Grammaticus, Chaucer, Green, Boccaccio, Ariosto and others.
Moreover Shakespeare was motivated to work hard for plays and representations, because the audience didn't only judge, but also threw vegetables or fruit as disapproval; actors didn't use painted scenery, so settings had to be provided by exchanges of dialogue.
 
However Shakespeare had a good opinion of the theatre: it was appreciated also by leaders, because of its impressive and spectacular shape.
«I'll remember forever the building's impressiveness, so suitable to the height of the messages sent by the actors; I'll also remember the interest from so much different people, all concentrated on the same thing.. »
Besides he was one of the Globe's ownership; his administrative skills were very useful in increasing the theatre's and the company's reputation.
 
Finally the journalist has asked him his main satisfaction;
«I take pride in being called "Bard of Avon", a name for a representative of English people: with my success all the world has discovered some works that don't only carry a humanistic spirit, but also English culture. »