Dating Shakespeare's Plays
Concept Map
Explore the chronology of Shakespeare's plays such as Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, King John, The Merchant of Venice, Henry IV, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Delve into the evidence informing their dating, from publication records to stylistic analyses, and understand their historical and thematic contexts.
Summary
Outline
Dating Shakespeare's Plays: The Chronology of Romeo and Juliet
The dating of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is informed by various forms of evidence, including the earliest known quarto publication in 1597, which provides a terminus ante quem for the play's creation. Scholars often reference an earthquake mentioned by the Nurse to speculate on the play's composition date, with some attributing it to the 1580 Dover Straits earthquake, suggesting a composition around 1591. However, others consider a later date, around 1595, based on a different earthquake referenced in William Covell's "Polimanteia." Stylistic analyses, which compare the play's language and structure to other works by Shakespeare, support a composition date in the mid-1590s, particularly around 1594–1595. Nonetheless, the range of 1593–1599 is also considered plausible by some scholars, taking into account the evolving nature of Shakespeare's writing style.The Chronology of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Its Stylistic Place Among Shakespeare's Works
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is often associated with Shakespeare's 'lyrical plays,' which suggests a composition date around 1594 or 1595. The play is first mentioned in Francis Meres's "Palladis Tamia" in 1598, and it was published in 1600. The first recorded performance took place in 1605. The thematic elements of the play, particularly the story of Pyramus and Thisbe, have led some to propose that Shakespeare wrote "A Midsummer Night's Dream" shortly after "Romeo and Juliet," as a lighter, more comedic exploration of love. The play's potential connections to events such as the deaths of fellow playwrights in the early 1590s or its possible commission for a noble wedding have also been considered in discussions of its dating. However, the consensus among scholars, based on stylistic evidence, leans towards a composition date of circa 1595.King John's Ambiguous Dating and Its Relationship with The Troublesome Reign
The dating of Shakespeare's "King John" is ambiguous due to the lack of definitive external evidence and internal allusions. The play is acknowledged in Francis Meres's "Palladis Tamia" in 1598, and its connection to the earlier "The Troublesome Reign of King John," published anonymously around 1589, is debated among scholars. Some argue that "Troublesome Reign" is a derivative of Shakespeare's play, while others contend that Shakespeare's "King John" was inspired by "Troublesome Reign," implying a composition date after 1589. Stylistic analysis and statistical methods suggest that "King John" was written in the mid-1590s, chronologically positioned after "Richard II" and before the "Henry IV" plays, based on the progression of Shakespeare's dramatic style.The Merchant of Venice: Topical References and Theories on Its Composition
"The Merchant of Venice" was entered into the Stationers' Register in 1598 and published in 1600. The play's composition is generally dated to 1596 or early 1597, with references such as the mention of the ship "Andrew" anchoring the play in the context of contemporary maritime events. The thematic resonance with Christopher Marlowe's "The Jew of Malta," which was popular in the 1590s, also informs the dating of "The Merchant of Venice." The play's enduring popularity, evidenced by performances including one before King James in 1605, highlights its importance within Shakespeare's body of work and supports the proposed timeframe for its creation.The Historical Context and Dating of Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2
"Henry IV, Part 1" and "Part 2" are part of Shakespeare's series of historical plays, sequenced after "Richard II" and before "Henry V." "Part 1" was registered in 1598 and is thought to have been written around 1596 or 1597, as suggested by the controversy surrounding the character of Oldcastle and the use of Samuel Daniel's work as a source. "Part 2" was registered and published in 1600, with its composition likely following closely after "Part 1," in late 1597 or early 1598. The plays' engagement with historical events and figures, along with their distinctive stylistic characteristics, support their placement within the late 1590s.Much Ado About Nothing and Henry V: Late 1590s Compositions
"Much Ado About Nothing" was recorded in the Stationers' Register in 1600 and is believed to have been written in late 1598 or early 1599, as indicated by the involvement of actor William Kempe and the play's absence from Meres's 1598 compilation. "Henry V" was published in 1600 and is dated to 1599, based on its narrative position in the Henriad and its thematic and stylistic maturity. Both plays are reflective of Shakespeare's developed writing phase and are significant for understanding his work during this prolific period.The Merry Wives of Windsor: A Comedic Interlude in the Henriad
"The Merry Wives of Windsor" was registered in 1602 and is traditionally dated to around 1600, although some theories suggest it may have been quickly composed for the Garter Feast in 1597. The play's departure from the historical narrative of the Henriad and its focus on contemporary English life indicate that it was designed as an independent comedy. The stylistic elements of the play and the circumstances of its commission provide insight into Shakespeare's versatility in comedy and his ability to respond to the demands of patronage and the social milieu of his time.
Show More
Romeo and Juliet
Evidence for dating
Scholars use various forms of evidence, such as the earliest known publication and references to earthquakes, to determine the composition date of "Romeo and Juliet."
Speculated composition dates
1580 Dover Straits earthquake
Some scholars attribute the composition of "Romeo and Juliet" to around 1591, based on the Nurse's mention of the 1580 Dover Straits earthquake
1595 earthquake referenced in "Polimanteia"
Others suggest a later composition date of around 1595, based on a different earthquake referenced in William Covell's "Polimanteia."
Stylistic analysis
Comparing the language and structure of "Romeo and Juliet" to other works by Shakespeare supports a composition date in the mid-1590s
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Association with Shakespeare's 'lyrical plays'
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is often considered part of Shakespeare's 'lyrical plays,' suggesting a composition date of around 1594 or 1595
Evidence for dating
References to the play in Francis Meres's "Palladis Tamia" in 1598 and its first recorded performance in 1605 support a composition date of circa 1595
Potential influences and events
Some propose that "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was written shortly after "Romeo and Juliet" as a lighter, more comedic exploration of love, while others consider its possible commission for a noble wedding or connections to the deaths of fellow playwrights in the early 1590s
King John
Ambiguous dating
The lack of definitive external evidence and internal allusions make it difficult to determine the composition date of "King John."
Relationship with "The Troublesome Reign"
Scholars debate whether "The Troublesome Reign of King John," published anonymously around 1589, is a derivative of Shakespeare's play or if Shakespeare's "King John" was inspired by it, implying a composition date after 1589
Stylistic analysis and placement in Shakespeare's works
Based on stylistic analysis and the progression of Shakespeare's writing style, "King John" is thought to have been written in the mid-1590s, after "Richard II" and before the "Henry IV" plays
The Merchant of Venice
Evidence for dating
The play's entry into the Stationers' Register in 1598 and references to contemporary maritime events and the popularity of Christopher Marlowe's "The Jew of Malta" in the 1590s suggest a composition date of 1596 or early 1597
Enduring popularity
The play's continued performances, including one before King James in 1605, highlight its significance within Shakespeare's body of work and support the proposed timeframe for its creation
Historical context
"The Merchant of Venice" is set in a specific historical context, providing insight into Shakespeare's portrayal of societal issues and themes during this time period
Dating Shakespeare's Plays
Learn with Algor Education flashcards
Click on each Card to learn more about the topic
00
Earliest quarto publication of 'Romeo and Juliet'
First quarto in 1597, sets terminus ante quem for play's creation.
01
Nurse's earthquake reference dating clue
Nurse mentions earthquake, possibly 1580 Dover Straits; implies composition around 1591.
02
Stylistic analyses for dating 'Romeo and Juliet'
Language and structure comparison with Shakespeare's works suggest mid-1590s creation, around 1594–1595.
