The 16th century was the great period of the system of patronage in art and literature and continued until the end of the 18th century. The Oxford Companion to Shakespeare defines patronage as “the social convention by which authors […] would receive protection, support and subsidy from wealthy individuals, families, or institutions, in return for furthering their reputations…” (2001, 338)
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There have been many attempts to identify the Shakespeare's patron but scholars never came to an undisputable solution. They orientated on the written dedication in the 1609 quarto entitled Shakespeare’s sonnets published by Thomas Thorpe:
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Patronage in the 16th century
- Shakespeare's relationship to his patron
- The rival poet in Shakespeare's sonnets and the consequences for the relationship to the patron
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the system of patronage in 16th-century England and its influence on Shakespeare's relationship with his patron. It examines the complexities of this relationship, particularly in light of the presence of a rival poet depicted in Shakespeare's sonnets.
- The system of patronage in 16th-century England
- Shakespeare's relationship with his patron(s)
- The role of a rival poet in Shakespeare's sonnets
- The impact of the rival poet on Shakespeare's relationship with his patron
- The conflict between artistic integrity and the demands of patronage
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Patronage in the 16th century: This chapter provides a historical overview of the patronage system prevalent in 16th-century England, highlighting its significance in the arts and literature. It details how artists and writers relied on wealthy patrons for financial support and protection, often dedicating their works to these individuals in exchange for patronage. The chapter also discusses the inherent drawbacks of this system, such as the potential conflict between artistic integrity and the demands of patrons, with examples drawn from the writings of Thomas Nashe and the observations of Catherine Bates on the compromised autonomy of poets under such arrangements. The precarious position of artists without patrons and the various forms of service they offered are further explored, highlighting the system's impact on artistic production and social dynamics.
Shakespeare's relationship to his patron: This chapter delves into the complexities surrounding the identification of Shakespeare's patron. The ambiguity surrounding the dedicatee "Mr. W.H." in the 1609 quarto of Shakespeare's sonnets is discussed, with the prevailing candidates, Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton, and William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, presented as potential patrons. The chapter analyzes Shakespeare's dedications of "Venus and Adonis" and "The Rape of Lucrece" to Southampton, and "The First Folio" to Pembroke, examining the strategic use of these dedications to secure financial support and recognition. The chapter lays the groundwork for a deeper analysis of the dynamics between Shakespeare and his patron(s) in light of the themes explored in the subsequent chapter.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Shakespeare, patronage, 16th-century England, sonnets, rival poet, Mr. W.H., Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton, William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, artistic integrity, financial support, literary dedications.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study of Patronage and Shakespeare
What is the overall focus of this academic preview?
This preview provides a structured overview of an academic paper exploring the system of patronage in 16th-century England and its influence on Shakespeare's relationships with his patrons. The paper specifically examines the complexities of these relationships, particularly in relation to a rival poet mentioned in Shakespeare's sonnets.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes: Patronage in the 16th century; Shakespeare's relationship to his patron; and The rival poet in Shakespeare's sonnets and the consequences for the relationship to the patron.
What are the key objectives and themes of the paper?
The paper aims to investigate the 16th-century English patronage system and its impact on Shakespeare's relationships. It analyzes the complexities of these relationships, focusing on the role of a rival poet depicted in Shakespeare's sonnets and the conflict between artistic integrity and the demands of patronage.
What does the chapter on "Patronage in the 16th Century" cover?
This chapter offers a historical overview of the 16th-century English patronage system, emphasizing its importance in arts and literature. It details how artists and writers depended on wealthy patrons for support and protection, often dedicating works in exchange. The chapter also discusses the potential conflicts between artistic integrity and patron demands, using examples from Thomas Nashe and Catherine Bates' observations.
What is discussed in the chapter on Shakespeare's relationship with his patron?
This chapter explores the complexities of identifying Shakespeare's patron(s). It discusses the ambiguity surrounding "Mr. W.H." in the 1609 quarto of Shakespeare's sonnets and considers Henry Wriothesley and William Herbert as potential patrons. The chapter analyzes Shakespeare's dedications to Southampton and Pembroke, examining their strategic use for support and recognition.
What are the key terms and concepts discussed in this paper?
Key terms include: Shakespeare, patronage, 16th-century England, sonnets, rival poet, Mr. W.H., Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton, William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, artistic integrity, financial support, and literary dedications.
Who are the potential patrons mentioned in relation to Shakespeare?
The preview mentions Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton, and William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, as potential patrons of Shakespeare.
What is the significance of the "rival poet" in Shakespeare's sonnets?
The rival poet's presence is significant because it introduces a layer of complexity to Shakespeare's relationship with his patron(s), potentially influencing the dynamics and creating conflict.
What is the role of artistic integrity in the context of patronage?
The paper explores the tension between an artist's creative freedom and the expectations and demands placed upon them by their patrons, highlighting the potential compromises and conflicts inherent in the patronage system.
What kind of document is this preview?
This is a comprehensive language preview designed to provide a structured and professional overview of the themes and contents of an academic paper on Shakespeare and patronage.
- Citation du texte
- Sarah Piecha (Auteur), 2005, Rivalry and its influence on the relation between Shakespeare and his patron, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/72876
