Arguments for Shakespearean Authorship
- The plays are consistent in style, language, and tone.
- The plays show a deep understanding of human nature and the world.
- The plays are full of allusions to classical literature, history, and philosophy.
- Shakespeare was a successful actor and playwright in his own time.
- There is no evidence to suggest that anyone else could have written the plays.
Arguments Against Shakespearean Authorship
- Shakespeare was not well educated and did not have access to the same sources as other playwrights of his time.
- The plays contain many errors and inconsistencies.
- Some of the plays were published anonymously or under different names.
- There are no surviving manuscripts of the plays in Shakespeare's handwriting.
- Some of the plays were published years after Shakespeare's death.
Possible Alternative Authors
If Shakespeare did not write all of the plays attributed to him, there are a number of possible alternative authors. These include:
- Christopher Marlowe
- Francis Bacon
- The Earl of Oxford
- Edward de Vere
The Truth
The truth about who wrote Shakespeare's plays may never be known. However, the debate continues to fascinate scholars and enthusiasts alike, and it is one of the most enduring mysteries in literary history.