The Myth of Shakespeare's Authorship Debated: A Comprehensive Analysis

For nearly three centuries, the Shakespeare authorship controversy has plagued the academic and literary world. Despite numerous scholarly and historical evidences supporting William Shakespeare's authorship of his plays and sonnets, many still question the authenticity of his work. This article dissects the core arguments of the controversy, examines the historical context, and presents robust evidence supporting Shakespeare's authorship.

Addressing the Controversial Claims

The controversy surrounding Shakespeare's authorship mainly comes from two aspects: the perceived limitations of Shakespeare's background and the perceived role of an artist in the 16th and 17th centuries. Many critics argue that Shakespeare's social and educational background is inconsistent with the depth and breadth of his works. In this section, we will address these claims and provide evidence to support William Shakespeare as the author of his works.

William Shakespeare's Background and Education

Shakespeare's father, John Shakespeare, was a tradesman who later became a local councillor. Critics often dismiss this background as being too humble to have produced such intricate and profound works. However, scholars have revealed that Shakespeare's father came from the 'middling sort,' a status that included tradesmen and those with minor gentry connections. Following the local grammar school tradition of the time, Shakespeare learned Latin and Greek and had the opportunity to read classical works, much like his contemporaries such as Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson.

Shakespeare’s exposure to Latin, Greek, and literature was not uncommon among the educated of his time. His father’s roles on the local council also provided him with connections and opportunities. Furthermore, it is common knowledge that many artists and playwrights of the era were part of the 'middling sort' and had various hands-on experiences in trade and public service.

Understanding the Life and Work of 16th Century Playwrights

The conflict arises from a misunderstanding of how playwrights and artists worked in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the 19th century, the ideal of the starving artist was popularized, which set an unrealistic standard for artists of the time. However, the reality was quite different. Playwrights were often involved in a range of activities beyond writing, including acting, directing, and even sideline jobs such as bear-baiting.

For instance, the playwright Christopher Marlowe, with his fine clothes and patrons, fits the romanticized image of the artist more closely. In contrast, Shakespeare, who was not mentioned as having a patron and did not engage in the same types of activities as a spy, might not fit this mold. However, it is important to note that artists and playwrights of the time were often multifaceted individuals, contributing to their communities in various capacities.

Evidence and Influence of Others

Historical records and contemporary works provide evidence that Shakespeare collaborated with other playwrights. For example, he co-wrote plays with fellow playwrights like John Fletcher. Additionally, while much of the content is attributed to Shakespeare, sonnets such as the entire set of his sonnets are attributed to WS, indicating his distinctive style.

Furthermore, many of Shakespeare's plays contain sections that resemble the works of other playwrights, suggesting collaboration and input from others. Sir Thomas More, for example, is a play that includes contributions from other playwrights, further emphasizing the collaborative nature of theater in the Elizabethan era.

Conclusion

In summary, the argument against Shakespeare's authorship of his works is rooted in snobbery and a misunderstanding of the historical context of playwrights. Shakespeare's background, while humble by today's standards, was entirely consistent with the expectations of an Elizabethan playwright. Moreover, the evidence points to a collaborative literary environment where input from other playwrights was common practice.

While the nuances of the authorship debate will continue to fascinate scholars and enthusiasts, the preponderance of evidence and contextual understanding support the idea that Shakespeare was indeed the author of the plays and sonnets attributed to him.