--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If Shakespeare be considered as a MAN…" description: "\"“If Shakespeare be considered as a MAN born in a rude age and educated in the lowest manner, without any instruction either from the world or from book..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c59/david-hume-538_poetry_if-shakespeare-be-considered-as-a-man-bo_639633.jpg" --- # If Shakespeare be considered as a MAN born in a rude age… ![“If Shakespeare be considered as a MAN born in a rude age and educated in the lowest manner, without any instruction either from the world or from books, he may be regarded as a prodigy; if represented as a POET capable of furnishing a proper entertainment to a refined or intelligent audience, we…” quote by David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c59/david-hume-538_poetry_if-shakespeare-be-considered-as-a-man-bo_639633.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c59/david-hume-538_poetry_if-shakespeare-be-considered-as-a-man-bo_639633.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c59/david-hume-538_poetry_if-shakespeare-be-considered-as-a-man-bo_639633.jpg) > ““If Shakespeare be considered as a MAN born in a rude age and educated in the lowest manner, without any instruction either from the world or from books, he may be regarded as a prodigy; if represented as a POET capable of furnishing a proper entertainment to a refined or intelligent audience, we must abate much of this eulogy. In his compositions, we regret that many irregularities, and even absurdities, should so frequently disfigure the animated and passionated scenes intermixed with them; and, at the same time, we perhaps admire the more those beauties on account of their being surrounded by such deformities. A striking peculiarity of sentiment, adapted to a single character, he frequently hits, as it were, by inspiration; but a reasonable propriety of thought he cannot for any time uphold. Nervous and picturesque expressions as well as descriptions abound in him; but it is in vain we look either for purity or simplicity of diction. His total ignorance of all theatrical art and conduct, however material a defect, yet, as it affects the spectator rather than the reader, we can more easily excuse than that want of taste which often prevails in his productions, and which gives way only by intervals to the irradiations of genius. \[…\] And there may even remain a suspicion that we overrate, if possible, the greatness of his genius; in the same manner as bodies often appear more gigantic on account of their being disproportioned and misshapen.”” [David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hume/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Shakespeare’s brilliance is mixed with flaws; his genius shines despite irregularities and lack of formal training. **In simple terms:** Shakespeare is great but imperfect. Key Takeaway Appreciate genius while acknowledging imperfections. Themes literature genius imperfection critique aesthetics Mood thoughtful analytical contemplative Type critical philosophical literary When to use this quote - theatre criticism - academic study - creative writing workshops - performance analysis Key Concepts Renaissance drama creative tension authorial intent Questions to Reflect On - How do we balance admiration for talent with critical analysis? - Can flaws enhance artistic impact? A Different Perspective His lack of formal technique may limit consistent quality. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Poetry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poetry/) [Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shakespeare/) ## Related quotes > [Shakespeare, who was considered the English Corneille, flourished at about the time of Lope de Vega. 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You can't make a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-schama/the-difficulty-with-poetry-is-that-it-doesn-t-have-the-life-that/) [Simon Schama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-schama/) > [I've definitely learned that if you want to have power as a woman in Shakespeare's time, and it's still relevant today, that you have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-barnett/i-ve-definitely-learned-that-if-you-want-to-have-power-as-a-woman-in/) [Samuel Barnett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-barnett/) > [This was Shakespeare's form ; Who walk'd in every path of human life, Felt every passion ; and to all mankind Doth now, will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-akenside/this-was-shakespeare-s-form-who-walk-d-in-every-path-of-human-life/) [Mark Akenside](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-akenside/) > [Juilliard is wonderful in that they don't pick just one way of working. They give you a palette. There is method acting. 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A battle of wit,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-wein/it-was-wonderful-flirting-with-him-all-the-razor-edged-literary/) [Elizabeth Wein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-wein/) > [Anything well written with good language and clarity and honesty is worth doing. 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In his compositions, we regret that many irregularities, and even absurdities, should so frequently disfigure the animated and passionated scenes intermixed with them; and, at the same time, we perhaps admire the more those beauties on account of their being surrounded by such deformities. A striking peculiarity of sentiment, adapted to a single character, he frequently hits, as it were, by inspiration; but a reasonable propriety of thought he cannot for any time uphold. Nervous and picturesque expressions as well as descriptions abound in him; but it is in vain we look either for purity or simplicity of diction. His total ignorance of all theatrical art and conduct, however material a defect, yet, as it affects the spectator rather than the reader, we can more easily excuse than that want of taste which often prevails in his productions, and which gives way only by intervals to the irradiations of genius. 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