Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Stephen Greenblatt, a prominent literary critic and scholar known for his work on William Shakespeare and the Renaissance period. In this quote, Greenblatt is discussing the peculiar nature of Shakespeare's poems, suggesting that they may have begun in a form that led them to become "weird" or out of control. This statement offers an intriguing perspective on Shakespeare's poetry and raises questions about the creative process behind these works.

Shakespeare's poetry, particularly his sonnets, has been the subject of much scholarly debate and analysis. Greenblatt's assertion that the poems may have originated in a form that allowed them to "get out of control" invites us to consider the unconventional and unpredictable nature of Shakespeare's creative process. This viewpoint challenges the traditional understanding of poetic composition and suggests that Shakespeare's poems may have evolved in a way that defied conventional norms.

It's important to note that Greenblatt's assessment of the poems as "weird" or "out of control" does not necessarily imply a negative judgment. Rather, it seems to acknowledge the idiosyncratic and unpredictable qualities of Shakespeare's poetry. This interpretation aligns with Greenblatt's broader approach to literary analysis, which often emphasizes the complexities and contradictions inherent in the works of Renaissance writers.

One possible interpretation of Greenblatt's statement is that he is highlighting the enigmatic and enigmatic nature of Shakespeare's poetry. The idea that the poems "get out of control" suggests a sense of unruliness and unpredictability, which may reflect the way in which Shakespeare's creative process defied conventional expectations. This perspective invites readers to reconsider the traditional notions of poetic structure and form, encouraging a more open and expansive understanding of Shakespeare's literary innovations.

Greenblatt's assertion that the poems may have originated in a form that allowed them to become "weird" raises intriguing questions about the early stages of Shakespeare's creative process. It suggests that the poems may have undergone a transformative and perhaps tumultuous evolution, leading to their unconventional and idiosyncratic qualities. This perspective encourages readers to consider the ways in which creative works can take on a life of their own, transcending the intentions of the author and defying easy categorization.

In conclusion, Stephen Greenblatt's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on Shakespeare's poetry, challenging traditional notions of poetic composition and form. By suggesting that the poems may have begun in a form that allowed them to become "weird" or "out of control," Greenblatt invites readers to reconsider the unpredictable and enigmatic nature of Shakespeare's creative process. This quote reflects Greenblatt's broader approach to literary analysis, which emphasizes the complexities and contradictions inherent in the works of Renaissance writers. It encourages us to explore the unconventional and idiosyncratic qualities of Shakespeare's poetry, fostering a deeper appreciation for the enigmatic and transformative power of creative expression.