Meaning: This quote by Andrew Bradley, a renowned Shakespearean scholar, reflects his perspective on the literary devices and techniques employed by William Shakespeare in his works. Bradley is acknowledging that while it may be convenient to analyze Shakespeare's writing in terms of specific devices and expedients, it does not necessarily mean that Shakespeare always consciously aimed to achieve the effects that are evident in his work.

Shakespeare's plays and sonnets are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and enduring relevance. They are rich with literary devices such as metaphor, imagery, soliloquies, and wordplay, which contribute to the emotional and intellectual impact of his writing. However, Bradley's quote suggests that attributing every effect in Shakespeare's work to deliberate intention may oversimplify the complexities of his creative process.

When Bradley mentions "devices and expedients," he is likely referring to the various techniques and strategies that Shakespeare employed in his writing. These could include structural elements such as the use of foils, puns, dramatic irony, and other rhetorical devices that enhance the dramatic and thematic aspects of his works. Additionally, "expedients" may refer to the pragmatic or practical approaches that Shakespeare used to address the challenges of theatrical production, such as the need to engage diverse audiences or navigate censorship issues.

Bradley's assertion that Shakespeare did not always deliberately aim at the effects he produced invites a nuanced understanding of the playwright's creative process. It acknowledges the possibility that some of the profound effects and resonances in Shakespeare's writing may have emerged organically, as a result of his deep understanding of human nature, his keen observation of the world around him, and his intuitive grasp of dramatic storytelling.

It is important to recognize that Shakespeare was a working playwright in the commercial theater of his time. His plays were crafted for performance in the context of a vibrant and competitive theatrical environment. While he undoubtedly possessed a masterful command of language and literary craft, he was also attuned to the practical demands of the stage and the expectations of his audience. This duality of artistic expression and pragmatic considerations likely influenced the organic development of effects in his work.

Moreover, Shakespeare's creative process may have involved a combination of conscious intention and intuitive inspiration. While he may have deliberately employed certain devices and techniques to achieve specific effects, it is plausible that many of the profound and enduring effects in his writing arose from a deeper, subconscious wellspring of creativity. This aligns with the Romantic notion of artistic genius, where creativity is seen as a fusion of conscious craftsmanship and unconscious inspiration.

In conclusion, Andrew Bradley's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of Shakespeare's literary devices and the effects they produce. It encourages scholars and enthusiasts to appreciate the multilayered complexity of Shakespeare's writing, recognizing that while analysis of devices and expedients can provide valuable insights, it is essential to acknowledge the organic and multifaceted nature of his creative process. Shakespeare's enduring appeal lies not only in the deliberate craftsmanship of his writing but also in the profound and often ineffable effects that continue to captivate and resonate with audiences across centuries.