Why Did Shakespeare Gain Fame Posthumously?

The biography of William Shakespeare often leads us to assume that he was a household name across England and Europe during his lifetime. Yet, it is a prevailing misconception that he was known exclusively after his death due to the publication of the First Folio in 1623. In reality, Shakespeare gained considerable fame during his time, but the recognition and dissemination of his work on a wider scale were solidified posthumously. Let us delve into the reasons and evidence to clarify this misunderstanding.

Shakespeare's Fame During His Lifetime

William Shakespeare was a celebrated dramatist whose plays were widely performed and appreciated during his lifetime. He was not merely a name within London’s theatrical circles; his influence extended to a broader demographic, including nobles, commoners, and even those from across Europe. This prominence is evident from the comprehensive list of his plays and poetry that circulated in his time.

Publications and Popularity

Shakespeare’s fame was bolstered by various forms of publication and performance:

Literary Works and Poems: He first gained recognition with his narrative poem Venus and Adonis, which went through multiple editions and became popular almost immediately upon publication in 1593. Similarly, his poem The Rape of Lucrece saw eight editions by 1640, revealing its enduring popularity and the extent of his literary reputation.

Theatrical Performances: His works were performed across England, notably at the famous Globe Theatre in Southwark, where people from diverse backgrounds came to witness his plays. Furthermore, some of his plays, such as Hamlet and The Merchant of Venice, toured in European countries like Switzerland and Holland. Diary entries from Thomas Platter and Arnet van Gorkul provide firsthand accounts of these performances, enthusiasm for his plays, and the cultural impact they had.

Recognition by Peers: Shakespeare was acknowledged by his contemporaries. For instance, Francis Meres praised him in his book Palladis Tamia in 1598, listing several of Shakespeare's plays and alluding to his sonnets, which were circulating among his literary circle before being published in 1609.

The Impact of the First Folio

The publication of the First Folio in 1623 by his friends John Heminges and Henry Condell contributed significantly to the legacy of Shakespeare. This collection of his plays not only preserved his works but also ensured their continuation and study. The scholarly and critical editions in the First Folio provided a more organized and accessible body of Shakespeare’s plays, leading to an increased appreciation of his artistry and influence on English literature.

Conclusion

While it is true that Shakespeare's reputation was solidified and widely known after his death through the publication of the First Folio, it is crucial to recognize that his fame and influence were well-established in his lifetime. His plays were celebrated in theaters across England and Europe, and his literary works were circulated through various means of publication. Therefore, the question of why he became known only after death is a product of a misinterpretation of historical facts, and the evidence clearly demonstrates that Shakespeare's reputation was gained and sustained during his lifetime.