1. Influence of Predecessors: Shakespeare was not the first writer to use blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) or to incorporate humor, wordplay, and poetic devices. He was building upon the works of earlier playwrights, such as Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Kyd, who helped establish these conventions.
2. Audience Expectations: Theatergoers during Shakespeare's time were accustomed to certain elements in plays, including lavish costumes, grand speeches, and moments of physical comedy. Shakespeare catered to these expectations to appeal to his audience and achieve success.
3. Elizabethan English: Shakespeare wrote in the English language of his day, which differed significantly from modern English in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. The use of archaic language and unfamiliar expressions reflects the linguistic norms of the Elizabethan era.
4. Poetic Devices: Shakespeare's extensive use of poetic devices, such as metaphors, similes, puns, and alliteration, was customary in Elizabethan literature and poetry. These devices heightened the lyrical quality of his writing.
5. Social and Political Context: Shakespeare's writings were influenced by the social and political atmosphere of the Elizabethan era. His plays often addressed themes of power, monarchy, and societal hierarchy.
6. Theatrical Constraints: Shakespeare's plays were written to be performed on stage, so they had to be practical in terms of staging and feasible for actors to deliver. This influenced his choice of language and structure.
It is important to recognize that Shakespeare's style and language were neither innovative nor unique in his time. He worked within established conventions and refined them through his exceptional talent, literary genius, and poetic prowess. His mastery of language and ability to create complex characters and compelling stories set him apart, ultimately making him one of the greatest writers of all time.