The name William Shakespeare evokes images of timeless plays and poetic genius. His works are cornerstones of English literature, studied and performed worldwide. Yet, for centuries, a fascinating question has persisted, sparking debates among scholars and enthusiasts alike.
This enduring puzzle asks: “Who Really Wrote Shakespeare’s Plays?” It’s a question that challenges traditional assumptions, prompting many to look beyond the man from Stratford-upon-Avon. This article serves as a helpful guide to understanding this intriguing literary mystery.
We will explore the main arguments and candidates, offering advice on how to approach the historical evidence. Our goal is to provide useful insights into one of history’s most compelling authorship controversies.
The Man from Stratford: The Traditional View
The conventional understanding is straightforward. William Shakespeare, born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, wrote the plays and poems bearing his name. This is the view taught in schools and universities globally.
This perspective relies on a substantial body of evidence. It includes baptismal and burial records. There are also property deeds and legal documents related to his life.
Contemporary references also point to Shakespeare as the author. Figures like Ben Jonson, a fellow playwright, praised him directly. Jonson’s writings attest to Shakespeare’s genius.
The First Folio, published in 1623, is another crucial piece of evidence. This collection of Shakespeare’s plays was compiled by his fellow actors. It explicitly credits “William Shakespeare” as the author.
This document includes a famous portrait and dedicatory verses. These verses further confirm his identity. For most scholars, this evidence firmly establishes Shakespeare of Stratford as the true author.
Why the Authorship Question Arises
Despite the strong traditional evidence, doubts began to surface centuries later. The core of the authorship question centers on a perceived mismatch. Many find a disconnect between the known biographical details of Shakespeare and the profound works attributed to him.
William Shakespeare’s known life suggests a man of practical affairs. He was a businessman, an actor, and a property owner. His formal education appears limited to grammar school.
Critics argue that such a background seems insufficient. They believe it couldn’t produce works displaying vast knowledge. These works cover law, classical literature, courtly life, and foreign travel.
Furthermore, there are surprisingly few personal documents. No letters or manuscripts in his own hand survive. This absence fuels the speculation for some.
This perceived lack of direct evidence prompts some to seek alternative authors. They propose individuals with more “suitable” backgrounds. These alternative candidates often possessed higher education and aristocratic connections.
The Leading Alternative Candidates
Several individuals have been proposed as the “true” author. Each theory has its passionate adherents. Exploring these candidates offers a fascinating look into historical detective work.
Here are some of the most prominent contenders:
* Francis Bacon (1561-1626): A renowned philosopher, scientist, and statesman. Bacon was highly educated and well-traveled. Proponents argue his vast intellect and knowledge align better with the plays’ content. They suggest he used a pseudonym to protect his reputation, as writing for the public stage was not considered a noble pursuit for someone of his standing.
* Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford (1550-1604): An aristocrat, poet, and patron of the arts. Oxford received an excellent education and traveled extensively. His supporters, known as Oxfordians, point to parallels between his life experiences and events in the plays. They also note his known poetic talent and connections to the Elizabethan court.
* Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593): A brilliant playwright whose career was cut short. He was supposedly killed in a tavern brawl. Marlovians suggest his death was faked. They believe he continued writing under the Shakespeare pseudonym. His poetic style and dramatic skill are often cited as reasons he could have authored the plays.
* Mary Sidney Herbert, Countess of Pembroke (1561-1621): A prominent patron of literature and a respected writer herself. Sidney was highly educated and ran a significant literary circle. Some theorists propose she authored the plays, perhaps due to societal constraints on women writers. Her knowledge and influence make her a compelling, though less commonly cited, alternative.
Each of these candidates offers an interesting narrative. They challenge the established view of “Who Really Wrote Shakespeare’s Plays?”
Examining the Evidence for Alternative Authors
Proponents of alternative authors use various methods to build their cases. These often involve textual analysis and biographical comparisons. They also look for hidden clues within the works themselves.
For example, Baconians claim to find ciphers or coded messages in the plays. These supposedly reveal Bacon’s authorship. However, these claims are largely dismissed by mainstream cryptography experts.
Oxfordians frequently highlight biographical parallels. They point to similarities between Oxford’s life events and specific plot points in the plays. They also analyze vocabulary and phrase usage.
Marlovians focus on the stylistic similarities between Marlowe’s known works and Shakespeare’s early plays. They argue that Marlowe’s genius was simply too great to end abruptly. They propose he continued writing in secret.
While these theories are creative, they often lack concrete external evidence. There are no definitive letters or documents. No smoking gun directly links these individuals to the Shakespeare canon.
This absence of direct proof is a significant hurdle. It prevents these theories from gaining widespread acceptance among academic scholars. The traditional view remains the best practice in academic circles.
The Scholarly Consensus: Why Shakespeare of Stratford Prevails
Despite the ongoing debates, the vast majority of Shakespearean scholars remain firm. They believe William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon is indeed the author. This consensus is based on a robust collection of historical and literary evidence.
Here are some key reasons for this widespread agreement:
* Contemporary Attribution: Shakespeare was recognized as the author during his lifetime. Numerous publications and contemporary writers credited him directly. This is a powerful piece of evidence.
* Professional Records: Documents show Shakespeare’s involvement with the theatre world. He was an actor, a shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain’s Men (later the King’s Men), and a playwright. These records link him directly to the creation and performance of his plays.
* The First Folio: This 1623 collection is a monumental testament. It was compiled by Shakespeare’s colleagues. They knew him personally and unequivocally attributed the plays to him.
* Lack of Counter-Evidence: While alternative theories abound, they lack direct, verifiable evidence. They rely heavily on speculation, circumstantial connections, or interpretations of hidden meanings.
* The “Genius” Argument: The idea that Shakespeare’s modest background precludes genius is often challenged. History is full of individuals who rose from humble beginnings to achieve extraordinary things. Genius is not exclusive to aristocracy or extensive formal education.
This collection of evidence forms a strong foundation. It supports the traditional attribution. It offers a useful framework for understanding the prevailing academic view.
Understanding the Allure of the Authorship Question
The persistence of the authorship question is fascinating in itself. It’s not just about historical accuracy. It reflects broader human tendencies and interests.
One reason is the romantic appeal of a hidden truth. The idea of a secret author is inherently dramatic. It offers a compelling narrative, like a literary conspiracy.
Another factor is intellectual curiosity. Some enjoy the challenge of questioning established norms. They find it stimulating to explore alternative possibilities. It’s a kind of puzzle, offering tips for literary sleuths.
The very mystery of genius also plays a role. How could one man create such diverse and profound works? This question makes the idea of a “ghostwriter” appealing to some.
Finally, there’s a desire to elevate the author. Some believe the works are too magnificent for a commoner. They seek an author with a more “fitting” pedigree. This reflects historical biases about class and education.
This ongoing debate, while not changing the academic consensus, continues to engage and inform. It encourages a closer look at history and literature. It’s a useful reminder that even established facts can face scrutiny.
For anyone interested in this topic, approaching the authorship question can be complex. There’s a lot of information and many passionate arguments. Here are some best practices for engaging with the debate:
* Examine Primary Sources: Always try to consult original historical documents. Look at what contemporaries actually said and wrote. This provides direct insights.
* Distinguish Fact from Speculation: Be critical of claims that lack concrete evidence. Speculation can be interesting but isn’t historical proof. This is a useful tip for any historical inquiry.
* Understand Scholarly Methods: Learn how academic historians and literary scholars evaluate evidence. They rely on peer-reviewed research and established methodologies. This guide helps in understanding their conclusions.
* Consider the Burden of Proof: The burden of proof lies with those challenging the established view. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. This is a fundamental principle.
* Enjoy the Mystery, but Respect the Evidence: It’s fine to be intrigued by alternative theories. However, acknowledge the strong evidence supporting the traditional author. Balance curiosity with factual rigor.
By following these tips, you can navigate the authorship question more effectively. You will gain a deeper understanding of the arguments on all sides. This advice ensures a well-rounded perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions About Who Really Wrote Shakespeare’s Plays?
A: The main, widely accepted theory is that William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon wrote all the plays and poems attributed to him. This is supported by historical documents and contemporary accounts.
A: Doubts often arise from a perceived lack of personal documents (like letters) and the belief that Shakespeare’s relatively modest background and education seem insufficient for the vast knowledge displayed in his works.
Q. Who are the most popular alternative candidates?
A: The most popular alternative candidates are Francis Bacon, Edward de Vere (17th Earl of Oxford), and Christopher Marlowe. Each has a dedicated group of supporters.
A: Baconians point to his vast intellect, legal knowledge, and philosophical depth. Some claim to find ciphers or coded messages in the plays that reveal his authorship, though these claims are largely unsubstantiated.
A: Oxfordians highlight his aristocratic background, extensive education, foreign travel, and poetic talent. They often draw parallels between events in Oxford’s life and plot points or characters in Shakespeare’s plays.
A: Marlovians argue that Marlowe’s poetic genius was comparable to Shakespeare’s. They suggest his reported death in 1593 was faked, allowing him to continue writing under a pseudonym. Stylistic similarities between their works are often cited.
Q. Is there any direct evidence linking alternative candidates to the plays?
A: No, there is no direct, conclusive evidence, such as signed manuscripts or explicit letters, linking any of the alternative candidates to the authorship of Shakespeare’s plays. Their cases are built on circumstantial evidence and interpretation.
A: The overwhelming academic consensus among Shakespearean scholars and literary historians is that William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon is the true author. This view is supported by robust historical evidence.
Q. Why is the First Folio important evidence?
A: The First Folio, published in 1623, was the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays. It was compiled by his acting colleagues who knew him personally and explicitly credited “William Shakespeare” as the author, including a definitive portrait and dedicatory poems.
Q. Did Shakespeare have a good education?
A: Shakespeare likely attended the King’s New School in Stratford-upon-Avon, a grammar school. This education would have provided a solid grounding in Latin, rhetoric, and classical literature, which was a standard and rigorous education for the time.
Q. Are there any original manuscripts in Shakespeare’s own handwriting?
A: No complete original manuscripts of Shakespeare’s plays in his own hand survive. This is not unusual for the period, as playwrights often sold their scripts to acting companies, who then produced copyists’ versions for performance.
A: The debate persists due to the romantic appeal of a hidden truth, intellectual curiosity, a desire to explain the perceived mystery of genius, and sometimes historical biases about class and education. It’s a useful way to engage with history.
Q. What tips are helpful for someone researching this topic?
A: Useful tips include examining primary sources, distinguishing fact from speculation, understanding scholarly methods, considering the burden of proof, and balancing curiosity with factual rigor.
A: No, the authorship debate does not diminish the literary value or cultural impact of the plays themselves. Regardless of who wrote them, their artistic merit and profound insights remain undiminished.
The question “Who Really Wrote Shakespeare’s Plays?” continues to fascinate. While alternative theories offer intriguing narratives, the vast body of historical evidence points to William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon. He stands as the undisputed author for the vast majority of scholars.
This exploration offers helpful insights into literary history and critical thinking. It encourages us to appreciate the enduring power of these magnificent works, no matter the debates surrounding their origin. Keep exploring, keep reading, and let the timeless words continue to inspire.
Leticia (a.k.a Letty) is a bibliophile who loves to read and write, she is also a Content Associate and Curator at Clue Media. She spends her spare time researching diverse topics and lives in New York with her dog.