For over 400 years, we celebrate William Shakespeare as one of the greatest playwrights in history. From Hamlet to Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s plays defined Western literature. Yet, a fascinating and enduring conspiracy theory lurks in the shadows: What if Shakespeare didn’t actually write his own plays? What if the man we know as William Shakespeare acted merely as a front for other writers? This is the crux of the “Shakespeare authorship question,” a debate that has fascinated scholars for years.
In this blog, we’ll delve deep into the origins of this theory. We’ll be exploring the main contenders for the “real” authorship of Shakespeare’s works. Finally, we’ll examine the evidence and arguments that fuel this compelling conspiracy.
The Shakespeare Authorship Question: What is it?
The Shakespeare authorship question refers to a theory that questions whether Shakespeare wrote the plays and sonnets attributed to him.
Proponents of the authorship theory argue that the real author was someone else. This was most likely a noble or highly educated individual. Some theories suggest that Shakespeare’s name was used as a pseudonym to shield the true author’s identity. The idea has captivated a wide range of intellectuals, from literary scholars to conspiracy theorists.
The “Shakespeare” We Know: The Man Behind the Myth?
The traditional view holds that William Shakespeare was a relatively unremarkable man. However, a troubling paucity of concrete biographical evidence stains his life. Little to no historical documentation about his life exists between his birth in 1564 and his emergence in London as a playwright in the early 1590s. Additionally, there are no surviving manuscripts of his works in his handwriting, and only six known inconsistent signatures.
For someone who wrote such complex and layered works, why is there so little surviving evidence of his personal life?
The fact that Shakespeare’s plays were performed by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men (later the King’s Men) also raises questions about his exact role in the theatrical world. Shakespeare undoubtedly involved himself in the theater, but there’s no definitive evidence to show that he wrote the plays himself, and his involvement may have acted more as a frontman or investor rather than the true creator of the works.
The Leading Contenders: Who Really Wrote Shakespeare?
While no one theory completely displaced the traditional view, several prominent figures have been proposed as the true authors of Shakespeare’s works. Each of these candidates has their own following, and each theory has its supporters who argue passionately that their chosen individual is the real Shakespeare.
1. Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford
The theory that Edward de Vere was the true author of the works attributed to Shakespeare gained popularity. This theory gained significant attention with the publication of The Shakespeare Myth by Ignatius Donnelly in 1888, and since then, the “Oxfordian” theory has attracted a sizable following.
Proponents of the Oxford theory argue that de Vere had the education, aristocratic connections, and courtly experience necessary to produce such sophisticated works. They point to several key pieces of evidence.
- Many of Shakespeare’s works contain references to the courtly life and nobility that an actor from Stratford would not likely have been familiar with. De Vere, on the other hand, had firsthand experience of court politics and the life of the elite.
- Some believe that de Vere’s own personal life, including his troubled marriage and family relationships, may have inspired elements of Shakespeare’s plays, particularly the tragedies.
Critics of the Oxford theory argue that there is no concrete proof linking de Vere directly to Shakespeare’s works, and that much of the evidence is circumstantial or speculative.
2. Francis Bacon
Sir Francis Bacon, the philosopher, scientist, and statesman, is another leading candidate in the Shakespeare authorship debate. Bacon, a well-known figure in Elizabethan and Jacobean intellectual circles, held both the education and the intellectual capacity to write the complex works attributed to Shakespeare. Proponents of the Baconian theory point to several pieces of evidence:
- Some scholars believe that Bacon’s philosophical ideas and views on politics and human nature can be seen in Shakespeare’s works.
- Cryptic references to Bacon hide within the texts themselves, according to some theorists. These claims, based on wordplay or anagrams, reveal Bacon’s name or other hidden messages.
However, like the Oxford theory, the Baconian theory is based on circumstantial evidence, and the idea that Bacon used Shakespeare as a pseudonym has been widely dismissed by mainstream scholars.
3. Christopher Marlowe
Christopher Marlowe, a contemporary of Shakespeare and another prominent playwright of the time, acts as another proponent in the true author of Shakespeare’s plays. Some theorists argue that Marlowe faked his death in 1593 and continued writing under Shakespeare’s name. They claim that Marlowe’s works, such as Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine the Great, exhibit similar dramatic techniques and stylistic traits to those found in Shakespeare’s later plays.
The Marlovian theory is based on the idea that Marlowe had the necessary experience and education to write the plays, and that his supposed death was a convenient cover for his continued work under the Shakespeare pseudonym. However, the historical evidence for Marlowe’s death is strong, and this theory has been largely dismissed by experts.
4. The “Group of Writers” Theory
Some theorists reject the idea that a single individual wrote Shakespeare’s works and instead suggest that the plays were the product of a group of writers working collaboratively. This theory posits that Shakespeare’s name was a convenient pseudonym used to protect the identities of the real authors, who may have been a circle of intellectuals, playwrights, and noblemen.
The group theory has gained some traction among those who believe that no single person could have possessed the wide range of knowledge and experiences that the Shakespearean works seem to require. Proponents of this theory point to the fact that the plays often reflect diverse knowledge in fields such as law, the classics, and politics, which suggests a more collective and collaborative effort.
The Evidence Against Shakespeare’s Authorship
While the alternative authorship theories have gained traction over the years, mainstream scholars have consistently defended the traditional view that Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon wrote the works attributed to him. The evidence for Shakespeare’s authorship includes:
- A wealth of contemporary references to Shakespeare as a playwright, including mentions by other prominent figures.
- His name appears on the title pages of several early editions of his plays and the First Folio.
Mainstream scholars argue that many inconsistencies can be attributed to the historical context of the time. The limited documentation of people’s lives makes it difficult to reconstruct a complete picture of Shakespeare’s life.
Conclusion: The Enduring Mystery
The Shakespeare authorship question taps into a broader cultural fascination with hidden histories, secret identities, and the possibility of untold stories lurking beneath the surface of accepted narratives. The debate over Shakespeare’s authorship is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
In the end, the most profound aspect of the Shakespeare authorship question is why the question captivates so many minds.
Nonetheless, Shakespeare’s works will continue to resonate with audiences for centuries to come.
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