Shakespeare and the Old Dramatists

Name: Shakespeare and the Old Dramatists
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work examines the relationship between Shakespeare and his contemporaries, particularly focusing on the evolution of his dramatic style and thematic depth. It highlights the early works, such as "Love's Labour's Lost," showcasing Shakespeare's unique blend of poetic sweetness and intellectual rigor. The text suggests that Shakespeare's genius lies in his ability to reconcile poetic creativity with dramatic structure, allowing for profound philosophical exploration within the confines of theater. Coleridge notes that Shakespeare's early plays contain sketches of characters that would later develop into more complex figures, illustrating his growth as a playwright. The analysis emphasizes the natural flow of Shakespeare's dialogue, where each line seamlessly leads to the next, creating a cohesive narrative that reflects his mastery of rhythm and language. The critique extends to other dramatists of the time, particularly Massinger, whose works are compared unfavorably to Shakespeare's. Coleridge argues that while Massinger's text has been improved, it still lacks the depth and fluidity found in Shakespeare's writing. He points out the limitations of contemporary critics, such as Gifford, who fail to appreciate the rhythmic qualities of Shakespeare's work. Coleridge also discusses the conventions of the old dramatists, particularly their use of disguise and mistaken identity, which Shakespeare employs sparingly. He cites "Twelfth Night" and "The Comedy of Errors" as examples where this technique is effectively utilized, with the latter being classified as a farce due to its reliance on improbable situations for comedic effect. Overall, the analysis presents a nuanced view of Shakespeare's contributions to drama, emphasizing his innovative techniques and the depth of his characterizations, while contrasting them with the works of his contemporaries. The text serves as a critical exploration of the evolution of English drama, positioning Shakespeare as a pivotal figure in its development.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1905 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Drama, Poetry · 633 words

First lines

I think I could point out to a half line what is really Shakspeare's in Love's Labour Lost, and some other of the not entirely genuine plays. What he wrote in that play is of his earliest manner, having the all-pervading sweetness which he never lost, and that extreme condensation which makes the couplets fall into epigrams, as in the Venus and Adonis, and Rape of Lucrece. [1] In the drama alone, as Shakspeare soon found out, could the sublime poet and profound philosopher find the conditions of a compromise. In the Love's Labour Lost there are many faint sketches of some of his vigorous portraits in after-life -- as for example, in particular, of Benedict and Beatrice.[2]

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Shakespeare and the Old Dramatists is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1905 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Criticism, Drama, Poetry, Philosophy, Historical Analysis
Length: 633 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Literary Criticism — The book analyzes Shakespeare's works and compares them with those of other dramatists, focusing on themes, styles, and literary techniques.
Drama — It discusses the structure and elements of drama, particularly in relation to Shakespeare's plays and those of his contemporaries.
Poetry — Coleridge references Shakespeare's poetic works and their stylistic qualities, linking them to his dramatic writing.
Philosophy — The text explores deeper philosophical themes present in Shakespeare's works, reflecting on the nature of creativity and artistic expression.