Shakespeare stands out alone, both in his own age when so many were drawn to the form and circumstances were favourable to this kind genius, and in all English literature, as the one great and genuine dramatic poet.

Centuries have passed after his death, but there is none to outweigh Shakespeare in his genius. This is certainly an astonishing fact. A person with fourteen years of formal education and with no academic ambition creating an epoch is a rare phenomenon. Shakespeare is one such person. Is Shakespeare an enigma? How was it possible for him to scale great heights with no academic back up? These queries have always been lingering in my mind. My queries found reply in Sri Aurobindo's writings. I am compelled to incorporate some of his ideas in this paper because I accede whole heartedly to his estimation of the great literary figure.

The age to which Shakespeare belonged called the Elizabethan Age/Shakespearean Age is termed The Golden Age of English Literature .It is so called because rapid literary advancements took place during this period .Sri Aurobindo points out that the age suffered from certain inadequacies which made it inferior to othe

r poetic periods and the ages of Greek and Roman poetry. The shortcomings were due to lack of aesthetic effect and vigour. However the presence of Shakespeare cured all deficiencies and made it a powerful age. But for Shakespeare Elizabethan Age would not have been known as it is today.

Shakespeare's genius lies in his 'artistic intuitive skill ' and his capacity for 'spontaneous creation'. That's why the Indian poet Kalidasa who also wrote out of intuition is referred as the Shakespeare of India. Shakespeare had no ulterior motive in writing. To be more precise he had no 'intellectual purpose ', ' aesthetic motive' or 'spiritual secret'. He sought to portray the various shades of life in his works. In Sri Aurobindo's words he depicted the "multiple poetic vision of life ". Shakespeare's greatness is such that he resisted all adverse criticisms and safeguarded his prominent position. Shakespeare's languor diminishes his limitations.

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Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)