Preface to Shakespeare

1. The Test of Time Validates True Excellence

What mankind have long possessed they have often examined and compared, and if they persist to value the possession, it is because frequent comparisons have confirmed opinion in its favour.

Enduring Value. Works that stand the test of time do so because they have been rigorously examined and compared across generations. This longevity isn't due to blind reverence for the past, but rather to the consistent validation of their worth through repeated scrutiny. The true measure of excellence lies not in immediate acclaim, but in the sustained appreciation that arises from continuous comparison and assessment.

Comparative Analysis. Just as one cannot judge the depth of a river without knowing many rivers, the excellence of a work of genius can only be determined through comparison with other works of its kind. This comparative process allows us to understand the unique qualities and lasting impact of a particular creation. Consider Homer's poems, which have been reinterpreted and adapted for centuries, demonstrating their enduring relevance and influence.

Wisdom of the Ages. The reverence for writings that have survived through time stems from the understanding that these works have been thoroughly considered and understood by successive generations. This prolonged engagement ensures that their value is not based on fleeting trends or superficial appeal, but on a deeper, more enduring quality that resonates across different eras and cultures. This is why Shakespeare's plays continue to be studied and performed, offering insights into the human condition that remain relevant today.

2. Shakespeare: A Mirror Reflecting Universal Human Nature

Nothing can please many, and please long, but just representations of general nature.

Universal Appeal. The key to lasting popularity lies in portraying universal aspects of human nature. Works that focus on particular manners or fleeting trends appeal only to a limited audience and quickly become obsolete. Shakespeare's genius lies in his ability to capture the essence of common humanity, creating characters and situations that resonate with audiences across time and cultures.

Timeless Characters. Shakespeare's characters are not defined by specific customs or professions, but by the fundamental passions and principles that drive all human behavior. This universality allows his plays to transcend cultural and historical boundaries, making them accessible and relevant to audiences from different backgrounds. Unlike other writers whose characters are mere individuals, Shakespeare's characters often represent entire species of human behavior.

Practical Wisdom. Shakespeare's plays are filled with practical axioms and domestic wisdom, offering insights into the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of everyday life. His real power lies not in isolated passages of brilliance, but in the overall narrative and dialogue that reveal the intricacies of human nature. This is why his works can be seen as a system of civil and economic prudence, providing valuable lessons about how to navigate the world and interact with others.

3. Transcending Dramatic Conventions: The Power of Mixed Genres

Shakespeare's plays are not in the rigorous and critical sense either tragedies or comedies, but compositions of a distinct kind; exhibiting the real state of sublunary nature, which partakes of good and evil, joy and sorrow, mingled with endless variety of proportion and innumerable modes of combination

Realism in Drama. Shakespeare's plays defy strict categorization as either tragedies or comedies, instead offering a more realistic portrayal of life's inherent mix of joy and sorrow. This blending of genres reflects the complexities of the human experience, where good and evil, laughter and tears, are often intertwined. By embracing this duality, Shakespeare creates a more authentic and engaging dramatic experience.

Instruction Through Pleasure. The purpose of writing is to instruct, and the purpose of poetry is to instruct by pleasing. Shakespeare's mixed dramas achieve this by incorporating elements of both tragedy and comedy, offering a more comprehensive and nuanced view of the world. This approach allows him to explore the full spectrum of human emotions and experiences, providing a richer and more meaningful learning experience for the audience.

Interrupted Passions. While some critics argue that the mixing of genres interrupts the progression of passions, Shakespeare demonstrates that these shifts can actually enhance the dramatic impact. The interplay of serious and humorous scenes creates a dynamic and engaging experience, mirroring the unpredictable nature of life itself. This variety keeps the audience engaged and allows for a deeper exploration of the human condition.

4. Comedy as Instinct, Tragedy as Skill

In tragedy he often writes with great appearance of toil and study, what is written at last with little felicity; but in his comick scenes, he seems to produce without labour, what no labour can improve.

Natural Comedian. Shakespeare's comedic scenes appear effortless, as if springing directly from his natural disposition. In contrast, his tragedies often seem labored, lacking the same spark of inspiration. This suggests that Shakespeare's true genius lay in his comedic abilities, where he could create characters and situations that were both funny and insightful.

Tragedy's Toil. While Shakespeare's tragedies may not always reach the same heights as his comedies, they still demonstrate his skill and craftsmanship. He often struggles to incorporate comedic elements into his tragedies, suggesting a desire to balance the serious with the lighthearted. However, it is in his comedies that he truly shines, surpassing expectations and delivering unparalleled wit and humor.

Lasting Laughter. The comedic scenes in Shakespeare's plays have endured through centuries of changing manners and language, proving their timeless appeal. His characters act on principles rooted in genuine passion, making their joys and sorrows relatable to audiences across different eras. This enduring quality of his comedy solidifies his reputation as a master of the genre.

5. Language as a Living, Evolving Entity

If there be, what I believe there is, in every nation, a stile which never becomes obsolete, a certain mode of phraseology so consonant and congenial to the analogy and principles of its respective language as to remain settled and unaltered; this stile is probably to be sought in the common intercourse of life, among those who speak only to be understood, without ambition of elegance.

Timeless Style. Every language possesses a core style that remains constant over time, rooted in the everyday speech of those who prioritize clarity over elegance. This enduring style is found in the common interactions of people who speak simply to be understood, without seeking to impress or distinguish themselves. Shakespeare's comic dialogue captures this essence, making it accessible and enjoyable for audiences across generations.

Vulgar vs. Refined. While the polite and learned often seek to innovate and refine language, true propriety resides in the conversation that exists above grossness and below excessive refinement. Shakespeare's ability to tap into this middle ground makes his work more relatable and enduring than that of authors who strive for artificial elegance or intellectual complexity. He avoids the extremes of vulgarity and pretension, finding a balance that resonates with a wide audience.

Master of Language. Shakespeare's mastery of language lies in his ability to capture the natural rhythms and expressions of everyday speech. This makes his work more accessible and engaging for modern audiences, who can still appreciate the humor and wit of his comic dialogue. He deserves to be studied as one of the original masters of the English language, whose work continues to inspire and influence writers today.

6. Moral Purpose: A Writer's Paramount Duty

He sacrifices virtue to convenience, and is so much more careful to please than to instruct, that he seems to write without any moral purpose.

Beyond Entertainment. A writer's responsibility extends beyond mere entertainment; it is their duty to improve the world through their work. While Shakespeare's writings may contain elements of social duty, they often lack a clear moral compass, failing to consistently reward virtue and punish wickedness. This absence of a defined moral purpose is a significant flaw in his work.

Justice and Virtue. Justice is a virtue that transcends time and place, and it is the writer's duty to uphold it in their work. Shakespeare's failure to consistently demonstrate a clear preference for good over evil undermines the potential for his plays to inspire moral behavior. He often presents characters who navigate between right and wrong without clear consequences, leaving the audience to interpret their actions without guidance.

Missed Opportunities. Shakespeare's plots are often loosely formed, and he misses opportunities to instruct or delight his audience. He seems more concerned with pleasing the crowd than with imparting valuable lessons, resulting in a lack of moral depth in his plays. This is a significant shortcoming, as a writer should always strive to make the world a better place through their work.

7. The Unities: Shackles or Scaffolding?

The necessity of observing the unities of time and place arises from the supposed necessity of making the drama credible.

Credibility vs. Convention. The traditional dramatic unities of time and place are based on the idea that they enhance the credibility of a play. Critics argue that it is impossible for an audience to believe that months or years pass in a few hours, or that the action shifts between distant locations. However, this assumption is flawed, as audiences are always aware that they are watching a representation, not reality.

Suspension of Disbelief. The true power of drama lies in its ability to evoke emotions and insights, not in its literal believability. Audiences willingly suspend their disbelief, accepting the conventions of the theater in order to engage with the story. The limitations imposed by the unities can actually hinder the playwright's ability to explore complex themes and narratives.

Freedom of Imagination. Shakespeare's disregard for the unities allows him to create more expansive and imaginative worlds, unconstrained by the limitations of time and space. This freedom enables him to explore the full range of human experience, offering a richer and more meaningful dramatic experience. The unities, therefore, are not essential to a just drama and should be sacrificed for the sake of variety and instruction.

8. The Context of Creation: Understanding Shakespeare's World

Every man's performances, to be rightly estimated, must be compared with the state of the age in which he lived, and with his own particular opportunities

Historical Perspective. To accurately assess an artist's work, it is essential to consider the historical context in which it was created. Shakespeare's plays must be understood in relation to the social, cultural, and intellectual climate of Elizabethan England. This includes the state of the English nation, the level of education, and the prevailing tastes and preferences of the audience.

Emerging from Barbarity. During Shakespeare's time, England was still emerging from a period of relative barbarity, with literature and learning largely confined to scholars and the elite. The public was generally uneducated, and popular entertainment often consisted of sensational stories and fantastical tales. This context influenced Shakespeare's choice of plots and his use of spectacle and dramatic effects.

Limited Resources. Shakespeare's access to resources and knowledge was limited compared to modern writers. He relied heavily on borrowed plots and historical chronicles, adapting them to suit the tastes of his audience. Despite these limitations, he was able to create works of enduring genius, demonstrating the power of his imagination and his ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level.

9. The Editor's Task: A Balancing Act of Preservation and Interpretation

To alter is more easy than to explain, and temerity is a more common quality than diligence.

Preserving the Original. The role of an editor is to preserve the integrity of the original text while making it accessible to modern readers. This requires a delicate balance between explanation and alteration, with a strong emphasis on diligence and careful consideration. It is easier to change the text than to understand it, but true scholarship demands a commitment to preserving the author's original intent.

Navigating Corruption. Shakespeare's texts have been corrupted by numerous errors and inconsistencies, due to the practices of transcription, printing, and acting. Editors must carefully collate different versions of the plays, identify and correct errors, and provide explanations of obscure passages. This requires a deep understanding of the language, culture, and historical context of Shakespeare's time.

Humility and Caution. Conjectural criticism, while sometimes necessary, should be approached with humility and caution. Editors must resist the temptation to impose their own interpretations on the text, and instead strive to understand the author's original meaning. The goal is to illuminate the text, not to rewrite it according to personal preferences.

10. The Enduring Power of Shakespeare: Beyond Commentary

He was read, admired, studied, and imitated, while he was yet deformed with all the improprieties which ignorance and neglect could accumulate upon him; while the reading was yet not rectified, nor his allusions understood

Transcending Imperfection. Shakespeare's works have captivated audiences for centuries, even in imperfect and corrupted forms. His genius shines through despite the errors and obscurities that have accumulated over time. This enduring appeal speaks to the power of his characters, his language, and his insights into the human condition.

The Essence of Greatness. Even before his works were meticulously edited and analyzed, Shakespeare was recognized as a literary giant. Dryden praised his comprehensive soul and his ability to capture the essence of nature. This innate greatness transcends the need for extensive commentary, as his plays continue to resonate with readers and audiences on a visceral level.

A Legacy of Influence. Shakespeare's influence on literature, language, and culture is immeasurable. His works have inspired countless writers, artists, and thinkers, and his characters and stories have become deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness. Despite the challenges of interpreting his language and understanding his allusions, Shakespeare remains a towering figure in the literary landscape, whose works continue to inspire and challenge us today.

Last updated: April 23, 2025