Likes:
1. Language and Wordplay: Shakespeare had an exceptional love for language and enjoyed experimenting with words, puns, and metaphors. His plays and poems are filled with rich imagery, eloquent speeches and inventive use of language.
2. Human Nature: Shakespeare was deeply interested in exploring the complexities of human nature, emotions, and motivations. His plays often delve into themes such as love, jealousy, ambition, betrayal, and the struggle for power.
3. History and Mythology: Shakespeare drew inspiration from history, mythology, and classical literature. He adapted and reimagined stories from various sources, including Greek and Roman legends, medieval chronicles, and contemporary events.
4. Nature: Shakespeare frequently used nature imagery and references to the countryside, seasons, and natural phenomena in his works. He expressed appreciation for the beauty of nature and its connection to human emotions and experiences.
Dislikes:
1. Excessive Flattery: Shakespeare disliked insincere flattery or excessive praise, as evident from satirical and critical remarks in some of his plays, such as "Hamlet" and "Troilus and Cressida".
2. Ignorance and Pretense: Shakespeare criticized characters who were ignorant, arrogant, or pretentious. In his plays, he often portrayed characters who made foolish mistakes or faced consequences due to their lack of self-awareness or intellectual depth.
3. Disloyalty and Treason: Shakespeare's works express strong disapproval of disloyalty, betrayal, and treason. He depicted the negative consequences that resulted from such actions, highlighting the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in relationships.
4. Violence for its Own Sake: While Shakespeare's plays contain violent elements due to the historical or dramatic contexts, there is evidence that he did not condone violence as a means to resolve conflicts. He often presented violence as a destructive force with serious repercussions for individuals and society.
It's worth noting that these observations are based on interpretations of Shakespeare's works and may not fully encompass all aspects of his personal likes and dislikes. As a writer and artist, Shakespeare masterfully portrayed a diverse range of characters and perspectives, which might not necessarily reflect his own personal opinions or viewpoints.