Shakespeare

Shakespeare was not only a great dramatist, but also a great poet.

Apart from his sonnets and long poems, his dramas are poetry. They are rich in

images, conceit, metaphors and symbols. He was well versed in writing lyrical verseas well as poetry of great passion and agony. His style varies with the dfferent

moods he expressed. It can be lyrical, poetical, ecstatic, pathetic, cynical, sarcastic,

and ironic.

Shakespeare was the master of the English language. It is estimated thathe had a command of about 15,000 words. Many of his quotatons and phrases havebeen absorbed into the English language. He was especally successful In handingthe different meanings of the same word, or words having the same sound butdifferent meanings.