Representative Men · Chapter
V: Shakespeare; or, the Poet explained
Emerson explores the nature of genius and originality, arguing that great men are distinguished by their receptivity and alignment with their time and people.
What happens
Emerson explores the nature of genius and originality, arguing that great men are distinguished by their receptivity and alignment with their time and people. He presents Shakespeare as the supreme example of the poet, whose wisdom and creative power are unmatched, yet critiques him for not transcending the material world to explore the spiritual meaning behind symbols. Emerson calls for a future poet-priest who can reconcile the worldly and the divine.
Themes in this chapter
Representative Nature of Individuals
Shakespeare is presented as the representative poet, embodying the genius of his time and country, and standing where all eyes look one way.
The Poet and Writer as Seer
Shakespeare is depicted as a seer who read the hearts of men and women and wrote the text of modern life, yet fell short of exploring the spiritual meaning behind symbols.
Action vs. Contemplation
The chapter contrasts Shakespeare's worldly, active life as a jovial actor and manager with the contemplative, spiritual depth expected of a poet-priest.
Characters to notice
- William Shakespeare
Presented as the representative poet, unmatched in wisdom and creative power, yet criticized for using his genius for public amusement rather than spiritual exploration.
- Homer
Mentioned as a bard who lies in sunshine, contrasted with Shakespeare's even more sovereign and cheerful tone.
- Geoffrey Chaucer
Noted for being glad and erect, part of the lineage of true bards alongside Homer and Shakespeare.
- Saadi Shirazi
Quoted for his cheerful defiance of repentance, illustrating the firm and cheerful temper of true bards.
- Emanuel Swedenborg
Mentioned as a mourner who grope in graves, representing a half-view that the world still needs to transcend.
- Dante Alighieri
Listed among poets who saw the splendor of meaning in the visible world, sharing in the halfness and imperfections of humanity.
Key passages
“Great men are more distinguished by range and extent than by originality.”
Greatness is defined more by breadth and influence than by being entirely novel.
Emerson argues that genius is receptive and indebted to the world, not spun from nothing.
“Shakespeare is as much out of the category of eminent authors, as he is out of the crowd. He is inconceivably wise; the others, conceivably.”
Shakespeare transcends the usual ranks of great writers; his wisdom is beyond comprehension, while others' is understandable.
Emerson elevates Shakespeare as uniquely wise and creative, beyond comparison.
“The world still wants its poet-priest, a reconciler, who shall not trifle with Shakespeare the player, nor shall grope in graves with Swedenborg the mourner; but who shall see, speak, and act, with equal inspiration.”
Humanity still awaits a figure who combines the worldly insight of Shakespeare with the spiritual depth of Swedenborg, acting with balanced inspiration.
Emerson calls for a synthesis of the poet and the priest to achieve true wisdom.