Shakespeare and His Chaotic Contemporaries

This chapter explores the vibrant and tumultuous world of the playwrights contemporary to Shakespeare, examining key figures like Thomas Lodge and Christopher Marlowe. It highlights the tensions between educated and uneducated writers, Shakespeare's business savvy, and his collaborative spirit in a competitive theater environment. Additionally, it reflects on the changing notions of originality and genius, emphasizing the historical context that shaped audience appreciation of Shakespeare's complex language.