When we think of Shakespeare's time and place, we tend to think of the negatives: the health problems that would have stemmed from the lack of hygiene and primitive medical care; the political interference with the young theatrical profession, a constant threat to its survival; the relatively small potential audience for which the various companies competed; and many others, of course. But is it possible that these apparent drawbacks were, in fact, advantages. I mean, something went right, obviously, so what was it? I'm going to spend the next couple of posts considering all of this and trying to provide some conjecture that will at least raise some questions regarding the differences in cultural conditions between Shakespeare's time and ours.

Here's a sonnet (123) that touches on the issue:

No, Time, thou shalt not boast that I do change:

Thy pyramids built up with newer might

To me are nothing novel, nothing strange;

They are but dressings of a former sight.

Our dates are brief, and therefore we admire

What thou dost foist upon us that is old,

And rather make them born to our desire

Than think that we before have heard them told.

Thy registers and thee I both defy,

Not wondering at the present nor the past,

For thy records and what we see doth lie,

Made more or less by thy continual haste.

This I do vow and this shall ever be;

I will be true, despite thy scythe and thee.