Applying this principle to the case of Shakespeare, an acute
critic has remarked that the preeminence of this poet over all others
is to be explained, not merely by his transcendent genius, but also
by the altogether unique conditions of the mental and moral life of
his time.
Within the century a new world had opened up for exploration
and conquest. Everywhere new hopes had been awakened and the
intellectual life quickened. Through this process the untitled man
had given abundant evidence of his worth; so that there was
emerging into ever clearer view a title likely to prove superior to all
others — manhood for its own sake.
To this class without titles, but creating for itself a new title,
the writers as well as the performers of dramas belonged. The great
world itself had become a most fascinating stage, and men and
women, without distinction of rank, had proven to be players of
most extraordinary parts upon this stage.
There was a wonderful access of life in man, and especially in
the man of low degree who had hitherto seemed to have no ground
for confident self-assertion. Now all had changed. And with the
buoyant sense of achievement there grew a desire to see the re-
enactment of the great deeds of the world.
