Introducing Shakespeare: A Graphic Guide - Nick Groom, Piero 2013

A Gentrified Shakespeare

Likewise, Alexander Pope (1688-1744), in The First Epistle of the Second Book of Horace, Imitated (1737), justifies poetic fame and fortune in an image of Shakespeare as a literary entrepreneur and theatrical impresario …

Shakespear, (whom you and ev’ry Play-house bill

Style the divine, the matchless, what you will)

For gain, not glory, wing’d his roving flight,

And grew Immortal in his own despight.

18TH-CENTURY COMMERCIAL SOCIETY WAS ATTRACTED TO SHAKESPEARE AS A PROPERTY OWNER AND A GENTLEMAN … … AS OPPOSED TO SOMEONE WHO HAD ABANDONED HIS YOUNG FAMILY IN THE COUNTRY FOR A LIFE IN THE CITY.

Consequently, his admirers craved any physical connection they could find with the writer - any commodities.