Artistic Imitation of Reality: Shakespeare believed that theater imitated real-life situations and events. Through their characters, actions, and narratives, plays presented a condensed version of life's complexities and provided insights into human experiences.
Truth in Representation: By accurately depicting the spectrum of human emotions, behaviors, and societal dynamics, theater mirrors the truths present in everyday life. Plays can portray the nuances of love, loss, betrayal, ambition, and other universal themes that resonate with the audience.
Reflection of Virtues and Flaws: Shakespeare's plays often showcased the full range of human nature, revealing both the virtuous and the flawed aspects of individuals. By bringing these elements to the stage, theater becomes a reflection of the strengths and weaknesses inherent in human beings and their interactions.
Social Commentary: Theater has historically been used as a means to comment on social and political issues. Shakespeare's works frequently contain underlying messages and criticisms of the society of his time. By presenting these issues on stage, theater reflects the ongoing challenges and debates within a culture.
Mirror for Society: Plays hold up a mirror to society, allowing audiences to observe their own behaviors and societal dynamics through the lens of fictional characters. This introspection can lead to deeper understanding, empathy, and awareness of the world they live in.
Universality of Human Emotions: Shakespeare's works transcend time because they capture the essence of universal human emotions and experiences. Theater resonates across cultures and eras because it reflects the commonality of human nature that cuts across boundaries.
In essence, Shakespeare's belief that theater is a true reflection of life highlights its ability to imitate, represent, and comment on the complexities of the human experience. By mirroring the ups and downs of real-life situations and characters, theater provides an avenue for audiences to gain insights, reflect, and grapple with the realities of their own lives and the world around them.