Not only are we reminded of the root of the term “Stationery” which no one in the New World is bound to remember, but as far as I am concerned, we put to rest the endless questioning of how or why Shakespeare was capable of accomplishing such brilliance in quantity.
Why? Because I know competition is the greatest inspiration at that age. Even now, I read something impactful and I want to write more, better, be cleverer. The times you describe show how dedication to a trade or endeavor would easily occupy a young lad’s brain. There was less distraction and plenty of motivation. After all, one could end up married to a widow of decent means!
Apparently the apprentice-widow merger was quite a thing - presumably because it was a leg up for him, and he could help her run the business...
Not only are we reminded of the root of the term “Stationery” which no one in the New World is bound to remember, but as far as I am concerned, we put to rest the endless questioning of how or why Shakespeare was capable of accomplishing such brilliance in quantity.
Why? Because I know competition is the greatest inspiration at that age. Even now, I read something impactful and I want to write more, better, be cleverer. The times you describe show how dedication to a trade or endeavor would easily occupy a young lad’s brain. There was less distraction and plenty of motivation. After all, one could end up married to a widow of decent means!