The Shakespeare Authorship Question: Unveiling the Mystery

The Enigma of Shakespeare's Authorship

William Shakespeare's name is synonymous with literary genius. His plays and sonnets have captivated audiences for centuries, inspiring countless adaptations and scholarly studies. However, a persistent question shadows his legacy: Did Shakespeare truly write the works attributed to him? This debate, known as the Shakespeare authorship question, has intrigued scholars and enthusiasts alike for over a century.

The Traditional View: Shakespeare of Stratford

The mainstream belief is that William Shakespeare, born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, is the true author of the plays and sonnets. Shakespeare of Stratford moved to London, became an actor, and co-owned an acting company. His works were published posthumously in the First Folio of 1623, solidifying his reputation as a literary giant.

Evidence Supporting Shakespeare of Stratford

1. Name Consistency: The author and the actor share the same name, "William Shakespeare."
2. Will and Testament: Shakespeare's will mentions fellow actors, suggesting a connection to the theater.
3. Contemporary References: Robert Greene's 1592 pamphlet, Greene's Groatsworth of Wit, refers to a playwright named "Shakes-scene," indicating awareness of Shakespeare's work.

The Anti-Stratfordian Perspective

Critics of the traditional view, known as anti-Stratfordians, argue that the evidence supporting Shakespeare of Stratford is insufficient. They question the lack of biographical information and suggest that the name "Shakespeare" was a pseudonym.

Key Arguments Against Shakespeare of Stratford

1. Signature Variations: None of Shakespeare's known signatures spell his name as "Shakespeare." Variations include "Shaksper," "Shakespere," and "Shakspere" (Ogburn, 119).
2. Pseudonym Theory: Literary historians note that pseudonyms were common in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the hyphenated "Shake-speare" may indicate a pseudonym (Taylor and Mosher, 85).
3. Will Discrepancies: Shakespeare's will lacks mention of any literary works, leading some to doubt his involvement in writing (Steele).

The 1604 Problem

A significant point of contention is the "1604 problem." Many researchers believe the true author died in or before 1604, as the publication of new Shakespeare plays ceased around this time. The 1609 publication of Shake-speares Sonnets refers to the "ever-living Poet," suggesting the author was deceased by then (Anderson, 400-405).

Alternative Candidates

Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford

Edward de Vere is a leading candidate among anti-Stratfordians. The Oxfordian theory, first proposed by J. Thomas Looney in 1920, suggests de Vere's biography aligns with events in Shakespeare's works. De Vere's known talent as a poet also supports this theory (Ogburn, 172-174).

Sir Francis Bacon

Before de Vere, Sir Francis Bacon was the primary candidate. Bacon was a scientist, philosopher, and writer, and some believe he collaborated with others to write the plays. Similarities between Bacon's notes and Shakespeare's works, as well as a letter in which Bacon calls himself a "concealed poet," bolster this theory (Michell, 259-259).

Other Candidates

Other less popular candidates include:

• Christopher Marlowe: A playwright with a similar style to Shakespeare.
• Fulke Greville: An aristocrat and writer proposed as a candidate in 2007.
• Aemelia Bassano Lanier: A woman poet suggested by some theories.

The First Folio and Engraving Controversy

The First Folio, published in 1623, is a cornerstone of the authorship debate. The engraving of Shakespeare's face, attributed to Martin Droeshout, raises questions. Droeshout was only 14 when Shakespeare died, leading some to doubt he knew the playwright personally (Ogburn).

The Complexity of Shakespeare's Works

Shakespeare's works are renowned for their complexity and vast vocabulary. Anti-Stratfordians argue that Shakespeare of Stratford, with no known higher education, could not have written such sophisticated plays. Mainstream scholars counter that many Renaissance playwrights wrote about the nobility despite their modest backgrounds (Bate).

Conclusion: The Enduring Mystery

The Shakespeare authorship question remains unresolved, with compelling arguments on both sides. While mainstream scholars uphold Shakespeare of Stratford as the true author, alternative theories continue to gain traction. Regardless of the true authorship, Shakespeare's works endure as masterpieces of literature, celebrated for their depth and beauty.

Interesting Stats and Facts

• Vocabulary: Shakespeare's works use approximately 30,000 different words, showcasing an extensive vocabulary (Anderson).
• Education: There are no records of Shakespeare attending a grammar school, university, or college, leading to debates about his education (Caldecott, 10).
• Pseudonyms: In the 16th and 17th centuries, pseudonyms were widely used by writers, adding weight to the pseudonym theory (Taylor and Mosher, 85).

For further reading, explore the Shakespeare Authorship Coalition and the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Sources:

1. Anderson, Mark. Shakespeare by Another Name. Gotham Books, 2005.
2. Bate, Jonathan. The Genius of Shakespeare. Oxford University Press, 1997.
3. Caldecott, Henry Stratford. Our English Homer. 1902.
4. Michell, John. Who Wrote Shakespeare?. Thames & Hudson, 1996.
5. Ogburn, Charlton. The Mysterious William Shakespeare. Dodd, Mead & Company, 1984.
6. Steele, David. Shakespeare's Will: A New Interpretation. 2000.
7. Taylor, Gary, and John Jowett. Shakespeare Reshaped, 1606-1623. Clarendon Press, 1993.