The True Identity of William Shakespeare: Debunking the Myths

For centuries, the identity of the famous Elizabethan playwright William Shakespeare has been a subject of intense debate. The works attributed to him, including the most celebrated plays and sonnets, continue to captivate audiences worldwide. However, the question of whether Shakespeare wrote all the plays attributed to him remains a contentious issue. This article delves into the debate surrounding his identity, supported by the overwhelming evidence that ultimately credits him as the true author.

Introduction to William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was first and foremost a playwright and poet, though his contributions extend beyond that. Throughout history, various scholars and literary enthusiasts have claimed that Shakespeare was not the true author of his works. However, this assertion is largely unsupported by evidence and has been largely discounted by experts in the field.

The Mainstream Belief

The mainstream view, supported by a majority of experts and historians, holds that William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon indeed wrote the plays and poems attributed to him. This belief is backed by several key pieces of evidence:

Historical Records: There are numerous records from Shakespeare's lifetime that reference him as the playwright. These include mentions in the writings of contemporary authors and in official documents. The First Folio: The First Folio, a collection of his works published by his colleagues after his death, credits Shakespeare as the author of the plays.

The Debate: Shakespeare Authored Controversy

Despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, a small group of individuals continues to question Shakespeare's authorship. Some of these doubters suggest that other writers may have collaboratively penned or even fully authored certain works, citing various theories and circumstances. However, this viewpoint is not widely supported by historical and literary analysis.

A Closer Look at the Doubts

Those who doubt Shakespeare's authorship often cite the potential collaboration with other writers, the anonymity of Samuel Danes (a scholar who died before Shakespeare), or the possibility of an allonym (pseudonym) used by Shakespeare to protect himself or another individual involved in the writing process. Despite these arguments, the evidence supporting Shakespeare's authorship remains substantial.

One popular theory, known as the 'De Vere theory,' posits that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true author. Proponents of this theory argue that de Vere was more educated and had better connections to the royal court, making him a more likely candidate. However, this theory is not supported by credible historical evidence and remains a fringe perspective in scholarly circles.

Supporting Evidence for Shakespeare

There is abundant evidence to support Shakespeare's authorship. Key pieces of evidence include:

Documentary Evidence: Numerous documents from Shakespeare's time connect him to the plays and the theater scene in London. These documents, such as playbills and legal contracts, demonstrate his involvement and recognition as a playwright. Contemporaries' Praise: Renowned writers of the time, such as Ben Jonson, significantly praised Shakespeare, calling him the master of English theater. Jonson even wrote a eulogy for Shakespeare, declaring him a true genius. Development of Style and Themes: The style and themes in Shakespeare's works exhibit a clear development over time, consistent with the growth of a single author. This developmental continuity is a hallmark of a true author's work. Publication and Preservation: When Shakespeare's plays were first published, his name was prominently featured on the title pages. The First Folio published in 1623, which preserved many of his works, further cemented his reputation as the author.

The Reason for His Credit

Shakespeare's name was consistently associated with his works during his lifetime and well after his death. The collaborative nature of Elizabethan theater, combined with the quality and depth of his works, contributed to his reputation as the preeminent playwright of his time.

Why Keeping It A Secret?

Just like the street artist Banksy, who chooses to remain anonymous for various reasons, Shakespeare could have used an allonym to protect himself or to avoid the risks associated with writing about sensitive subjects such as the royal court. Similarly, keeping a pseudonym could have been a strategic move to protect family and promote his work without facing reprisal.

Shakespeare's anonymity and the use of an allonym, while intriguing, do not diminish the fact that he was the primary author of his plays. The idea of a ‘giant conspiracy’ is not supported by historical evidence and serves more to add drama than to provide credible argumentation.

Conclusion

While the identity of the playwright behind the works attributed to William Shakespeare continues to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts, the evidence overwhelmingly supports his authorship. Historical records, contemporaries' praise, and the unique development of his style and themes provide irrefutable support for Shakespeare's legacy. Whether he used an allonym or not, the works of Shakespeare remain a testament to his genius and continue to inspire generations of readers and performers alike.