1. Education:
* University Wits: Most University Wits were graduates of Oxford or Cambridge Universities, having received a formal classical education. This gave them a strong foundation in rhetoric, literature, and philosophy.
* Shakespeare: There is no concrete evidence that Shakespeare ever attended university. He likely received a grammar school education, which focused on Latin, Greek, and rhetoric, but not to the same depth as a university education.
2. Social Background:
* University Wits: They came from relatively privileged backgrounds and often held positions in court or within the government.
* Shakespeare: Shakespeare's origins are less clear, but it's generally believed he came from a lower-middle-class background. He worked his way up to success, beginning as an actor before becoming a playwright.
3. Style and Themes:
* University Wits: They were known for their witty and intellectual style, often exploring classical themes and intricate plots. Their plays tended to be more satiric and comedic in nature.
* Shakespeare: Shakespeare's style is more grounded in human emotions, exploring complex characters and universal themes of love, loss, ambition, and power. His plays spanned a wider range of genres, including comedy, tragedy, history, and romance.
4. Career Trajectory:
* University Wits: They often wrote for specific patrons or institutions, and their careers were somewhat limited by their social standing.
* Shakespeare: Shakespeare became a prolific writer, achieving great success with both his plays and poems. He established his own acting company and had a direct influence on the development of English theatre.
5. Legacy:
* University Wits: While they were prominent in their time, their works largely faded into obscurity compared to Shakespeare's.
* Shakespeare: Shakespeare's work remains highly influential and widely performed and studied today. His plays have been adapted and translated into countless languages, cementing his status as one of the greatest literary figures of all time.
In summary: While Shakespeare shared some commonalities with the University Wits, his lack of formal university education, humble beginnings, unique writing style, and enduring legacy set him apart as a truly exceptional playwright.