Artistic beauty in Shakespeare

Beauty has always been associated with art, and critics often evaluate it through conventional standards. However, artistic beauty transcends these norms, it is an expression that connects with the soul of the perceiver. True artistic beauty does not merely appeal to the senses; it leaves a lasting impression, prompting reflection long after the initial experience. Shakespeare’s characters embody this artistic beauty, making his works timeless.

In Twelfth Night, Feste the fool appears to entertain with his foolish antics, yet his words carry profound wisdom. Shakespeare places insight in the mouth of a jester, allowing humor and intellect to coexist. While Feste amuses us, he also compels us to ponder his words, demonstrating how artistic beauty can intertwine with wit and wisdom.

Artistic beauty also challenges the boundaries of morality. While T.S. Eliot emphasized that art should instruct, Shakespeare’s works explore morality as a fluid, often ambiguous concept. In Macbeth, morality is not absolute but rather tested against ambition and human weakness. Macbeth’s hesitation before murder is his only moral struggle, yet his unchecked ambition leads to his downfall. Shakespeare does not impose moral judgment but instead presents a complex interplay of choice and consequence, allowing us to question the nature of morality itself. Similarly, in Measure for Measure, Angelo is initially portrayed as noble, yet he falters when tested. His moral decline offers insight into human frailty, making us reflect on morality beyond rigid definitions.

Another hallmark of Shakespeare’s artistic beauty is his masterful use of language. His words resonate across time, capturing the essence of human nature. Whether contemplating love, power, or the passage of time, Shakespeare’s poetic expressions invite us to think deeply. His artistry lies in his ability to engage both our emotions and intellect, blending experimentation with profound insight into human nature.

Shakespeare’s works endure not just for their literary brilliance but for their ability to provoke thought and self-reflection. His artistic beauty lies in his capacity to appeal both to the senses and the mind, ensuring his place in literary history as a master of human expression, thus Shakespeare as a phenomenon can be considered nothing in short of artistic beauty.