Shakespeare: The Master of Psychological Depth and Versatility

Shakespeare's works have captivated audiences for centuries, and his unique style and depth set him apart from his contemporaries. While outwardly, the similarities between Shakespeare's writing and that of his contemporaries are numerous, Shakespeare emerged as a master of psychological complexity and versatility in his writing. This article delves into the differences between Shakespeare's plays and those of his contemporaries, focusing on structure, language, themes, and his unparalleled depth of character creation.

Outward Similarities and Inner Differences

At first glance, there are many similarities between Shakespeare's writing and that of his contemporaries. For instance, the use of iambic pentameter, a meter common in Shakespeare's time, is widely seen in his works. However, to think that Shakespeare wrote lines like:

"Was this the face that launched the thousand ships
And burned the topless towers of Ilum
Fair Helen, make me immortal with a kiss!"

which is actually from a famous rival, Christopher Marlowe's Dido, Queen of Carthage, is a common misconception. While these lines might sound "Shakespearean," they were not his. Thus, it's easier to perceive Shakespeare's unique style when one looks beyond surface-level similarities.

Themes and Genre Benchmark

Shakespeare's contemporaries included Christopher Marlowe, who predominantly wrote tragedies such as Doctor Faustus, and Ben Jonson, who often wrote comedies, like Volpone. However, while other playwrights were confined to a particular genre, Shakespeare demonstrated remarkable versatility. He wrote comedies, tragedies, histories, satires, and romances, thereby showcasing a range of genres that no other playwright can match.

Psychological Depth as the Differentiator

The central element that distinguishes Shakespeare's work from his contemporaries is the psychological complexity with which he crafted his characters. Consider, for example, Hamlet, one of the most psychologically complex characters in literature. The character is a deep psychological exploration of a man grappling with existential questions and moral dilemmas. This psychological depth is also evident in Othello, particularly in the complex interactions between Iago and Othello, where Iago employs reverse psychology to manipulate Othello's minds.

In Macbeth, Shakespeare delves into the psyche of a good man tempted by evil, creating a masterpiece of ethical and psychological exploration. Similarly, in Richard III, he portrays a villain who attributes his evil deeds to his unhappy past, illustrating the complexity of human nature. These are themes that go beyond simple moral overviews and offer profound insights into the human condition.

Even in his comedies, Shakespeare excels in creating rich and multifaceted characters like Falstaff, a character so complex that he transcends the boundaries of buffoonery. Falstaff is more than just a liar or a coward; he is a figure of wit and charm, evident in his famous lines: "I am not just witty, but the cause of wit in other men.""

Shakespeare's Mastery of Language

Shakespeare not only used metaphors but also employed extended metaphors, which he could maintain for entire pages. A prime example is the soliloquy in Macbeth where Macbeth considers the imagery of a dagger, which serves as an extended metaphor for his treacherous thoughts. This experimentation with extended metaphors and imaginative language set Shakespeare apart from his contemporaries, as noted by Ben Jonson, who quipped, “He was a man not to be overcome with flattery. When guilt-wearied, he could write an editor in a corner, and send his plays away to the press.”

However, Jonson also recognized the enduring legacy of Shakespeare, proclaiming at his funeral, “Now he is for the ages.” This recognition of Shakespeare's timeless appeal underlines his unmatched contribution to the English language and literature.

Shakespeare's mastery of structure, language, and themes, combined with his unparalleled ability to create psychologically rich characters, has made him a monumental figure in the world of literature. While his contemporaries may have been skilled in their own right, it is Shakespeare who remains a beacon of inspiration and learning for generations to come.