Metonymy is a figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated. It is often used to refer to something by naming an object, place or concept closely related to it, rather than using the exact word.

For example:

• "The White House issued a statement" uses "The White House" to mean the President or the administration, rather than the actual building.
• "The pen is mightier than the sword" uses "pen" to represent writing or diplomacy and "sword" to represent military force or war.

In this case, "Shakespeare" is used to represent Shakespeare's works.