WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was, of course, the greatest writer who ever lived.  His works consist of 39 plays, 154 sonnets and two long poems.  The plays fall into three categories: comedies, dramas and histories.  Touching on practically all aspects of life, Shakespeare created a universal art.  He is considered England’s national poet.  Many of the lines from his writings have entered into common usage.  His works have been translated into every language and are performed more widely than any other playwright’s. 

Shakespeare wove erotica throughout his writings.  This ranged from romance to gender roles to sexual violence.  Romeo and Juliet focused on young romance.  The Sonnets showed his lust for a married woman and his desire for a young man.  Comedy of Errors played with gender.  Venus and Adonis described seduction.  The Rape of Lucrece recounted a rape.  Raucous sexual puns are also scattered throughout his works.

I have always loved William Shakespeare’s writings.  When I was 15, I had a lucid dream about meeting Shakespeare, and I took it as a sign that I should be a writer.  What a delight to come upon the erotica in his plays and poetry.

A quote:

Graze on my lips, and if those hills be dry/Stray lower, where the pleasant fountains lie.”

S. Gray