Skip to main content

Primary sourceBook1594

The Rape of Lucrece

William Shakespeare · 1594

A 1594 narrative poem by Shakespeare telling the Roman legend of Lucretia's rape and suicide, dedicated to the Earl of Southampton.

Shakespeare wrote this poem himself, seeking patronage during a period when the theatres were closed.

Ask William Shakespeare about this sourceView the original(opens in new tab)
Title page of The Rape of Lucrece, printed in black letter with the title in large capitals, 'By Mr. William Shakespeare', 'Newly Reuised', a swan emblem in an ornate oval frame, and imprint 'London, Printed by T.S. for Roger Jackson, 1616'.
William Shakespeare, The Rape of Lucrece, title page, London, printed 1616 edition.

About this source

What it is

The Rape of Lucrece is a narrative poem by William Shakespeare, published in 1594 and printed as a quarto by Richard Field for bookseller John Harrison. It retells the Roman legend of Lucretia, drawing on earlier accounts by Ovid and Livy.

Why it matters

Written while London's theatres were shut by plague, the poem shows Shakespeare working outside drama and seeking a patron, the young Earl of Southampton, to whom it carries a warm dedication. It reveals how writers of the time depended on wealthy patrons and how Shakespeare presented himself in print rather than on stage.

Look closer

  • Why might Shakespeare have written a long poem instead of a play at this point in his career?
  • What does the dedication to Southampton suggest about how poets earned a living?
  • How does the printed title page differ from how we imagine a 'book' today?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of William Shakespeare on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

More William Shakespeare sources

Meet the AI William Shakespeare →
Title page of the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays. Large text reads 'Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies' and 'Published according to the True Originall Copies.' Below is an engraved portrait of a balding man with a moustache and a large white collar. At the bottom: 'London, Printed by Isaac Jaggard, and Ed. Blount. 1623.'Book

Primary source

First Folio

William Shakespeare · 1623

Pencil or ink profile drawing on tan paper, facing left, of a man with a bald crown, long wavy hair at the back and sides, a beard, and a plain collared garment. Thin border lines frame the sheet.Painting

Secondary source

Profile Drawing of William Shakespeare

Johann Kaspar Lavater · c. 1793

Black-and-white engraved portrait of a bald-headed man with a pointed beard and moustache, wearing a large lace collar and dark buttoned doublet, set in a rectangular frame. Below is a handwritten signature reading William Shakespeare. Engraver credit at lower right reads H. Robinson sculp.Painting

Secondary source

William Shakespeare engraving by John Henry Robinson

John Henry Robinson · 30 November 1827

Ten Lectures on ShakespeareDocument

Primary source

Ten Lectures on Shakespeare

Literary School · 1889

Book

Primary source

Macbeth

William Shakespeare · c. 1606

Ready when you are

Start chatting with William Shakespeare now.

20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.

Trial Humy for freeGet a quote for institutions