Meaning: The quote, "I believe that nothing comes of nothing, even in Shakespeare. I wanted to know where he got the matter he was working with and what he did with that matter," by Stephen Greenblatt, reflects the critical approach of the scholar towards understanding the creative process of William Shakespeare and the sources of his works. Stephen Greenblatt is a prominent literary critic and scholar who has made significant contributions to the field of Shakespeare studies and Renaissance literature.

In this quote, Greenblatt emphasizes the idea that creativity does not arise in a vacuum, even in the case of a literary genius like Shakespeare. He expresses his curiosity about the origins of Shakespeare's material and the transformative processes through which the playwright shaped and reimagined the raw elements into his literary masterpieces. This quote encapsulates Greenblatt's approach to literary analysis, which involves delving into the historical, cultural, and textual contexts that inform the creation of a work of literature.

Greenblatt's interest in the sources of Shakespeare's inspiration and the treatment of that material aligns with his broader scholarly methodology, which is characterized by a deep engagement with historical and cultural contexts. Through his influential works such as "Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare" and "Shakespearean Negotiations: The Circulation of Social Energy in Renaissance England," Greenblatt has demonstrated a keen focus on exploring the interplay between the individual creative mind and the larger social, political, and intellectual milieu in which Shakespeare operated.

By delving into the sources and influences on Shakespeare, Greenblatt seeks to unravel the complex layers of intertextuality and cultural exchange that shaped the playwright's works. He acknowledges that Shakespeare drew from a wide range of literary, historical, and mythological sources, and he is interested in tracing the ways in which Shakespeare appropriated, adapted, and transformed these materials to suit his artistic vision. Greenblatt's approach underscores the notion that literary creation is inherently dialogic, involving a dynamic interplay between the artist and the cultural inheritance that informs their work.

Moreover, Greenblatt's emphasis on understanding what Shakespeare did with the matter he worked with highlights his attention to the transformative processes at play in the creative act. He is concerned with analyzing how Shakespeare reworked his source material, infusing it with his own imaginative power and linguistic dexterity to produce works that transcend their origins. Greenblatt's approach invites readers and scholars to consider Shakespeare as a dynamic and innovative figure who engaged in a process of literary alchemy, transmuting the base elements of his source material into enduring works of art.

In conclusion, Stephen Greenblatt's quote encapsulates his approach to understanding Shakespeare's creative process and the sources of his literary material. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of creativity and cultural inheritance, Greenblatt invites readers and scholars to explore the rich tapestry of influences that shaped Shakespeare's works. His critical perspective underscores the importance of historical and cultural contexts in illuminating the genius of Shakespeare and offers valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between the artist and the materials from which they fashion their creations.