1. Censorship and Religious Authority:
During Shakespeare's era, the English government strictly regulated theater and literature to ensure that no religious or political matters were portrayed in a manner that could threaten the authority of the monarchy. The plays were subject to censorship, and certain topics were considered controversial or seditious, making it difficult for Shakespeare to express certain thoughts or ideas.
2. Plague and Theater Closures:
London was frequently struck by outbreaks of the bubonic plague, which led to the temporary closure of theaters as a public health measure. In times of plague, theatrical performances were often banned, and Shakespeare had to deal with the uncertainty and financial loss caused by these theater closures.
3. Competition and Critical Standards:
The Elizabethan theater was a highly competitive environment, with many playwrights vying for attention. Shakespeare had to establish himself and gain the approval of both patrons and audiences, dealing with the pressure of meeting high critical standards and maintaining a consistently successful career.
4. Collaboration and Adaptation:
During his early career, Shakespeare collaborated with other playwrights to produce works. Additionally, he often adapted and borrowed stories and plotlines from existing sources, such as classical literature or chronicles, to create his plays. This collaborative nature and the expectation to produce new works regularly brought its own challenges.
5. Financial Uncertainties:
In the early stages of his career, Shakespeare faced financial uncertainties as a playwright and actor. He was not immediately successful, and it was not until the late 1590s that he gained more prominence and financial stability with his works being performed by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men.
6. Changing Cultural and Social Expectations:
Shakespeare lived in a time of rapid social and cultural changes. He needed to keep up with the evolving preferences of his audiences, adapting his works to cater to their changing tastes and expectations.
Despite these challenges, William Shakespeare's talent, creativity, and understanding of human nature allowed him to overcome many of these obstacles and establish himself as one of the greatest playwrights of all time.