Lunatics, Lovers, and Poets

What do lunatics, lovers, and poets all have in common?

Theseus suggests their imaginations are their commonality, suggesting that the average human being does not have quite the same imaginative capabilities.  In our days, a lunatic or mentally ill individual that is proven to be such can get away with a lot, even murder in a sense.  How many stupid things do we do just because we love someone? And the end it is okay because our motives were pure.  But what about the poet?  What kind of power does he have?  The first Bible was printed in 1520's and from there more things began being printed.  Now, in the 1590's, which is about the time Shakespeare's plays were being performed and written, writing and printing is becoming a thing where people can speak out and voice thoughts that no one has dared to share.  Throughout most of the 17th century, pamphlets were printed just to do that.  It is during this time that the power of writing began to be recognized.
With this discussion found at the beginning of Act V in a Midsummer Night's Dream, I believe that Shakespeare is alluding to that power of writers.  He may be validating himself in creating something totally unreal because he is a poet.  But more than that, is he giving quiet permission for people to start writing those pamphlets and voice whatever they want simply because they can?  I believe he is doing both of those.

Haven't those lunatics, lovers, and poets shaped our world today?  They are perhaps even more powerful than Shakespeare was suggesting.

Some of these poets could probably fall under the category of lunatics and lovers as well if you think about it.




Here are some websites that give a little more of the historical background:

http://www.bl.uk/learning/histcitizen/timeline/accessvers/1500s/
https://www.newberry.org/british-pamphlets-17th-century