Authorship debate

Definition

The authorship debate refers to the ongoing scholarly discussion regarding the true identity of the writer behind the works attributed to William Shakespeare. This debate raises questions about whether Shakespeare, a man from Stratford-upon-Avon, could have penned such profound and diverse literary pieces, given his relatively modest background and limited formal education. The debate encompasses various alternative candidates, including Christopher Marlowe and Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, leading to discussions about class, education, and the nature of artistic creation in the Renaissance period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The authorship debate has persisted for centuries, gaining momentum in the 19th century as scholars began to question Shakespeare's ability to produce such complex works.
2. Some proponents of alternative authorship theories argue that Shakespeare's lack of formal education makes it unlikely that he could have written such sophisticated plays.
3. Notable figures who have been suggested as potential authors include Christopher Marlowe, Edward de Vere (the Earl of Oxford), and even Queen Elizabeth I.
4. The debate raises important questions about social class and access to education during the Renaissance, affecting how we view artistic legitimacy.
5. Despite ongoing discussions, the majority of scholars still support the traditional view that William Shakespeare was the true author of his works.

Review Questions

• What are some reasons scholars question the authorship of Shakespeare's works?
  • Scholars question the authorship of Shakespeare's works for several reasons, primarily focusing on his relatively humble background and limited formal education. Critics argue that it seems unlikely for someone from a small town like Stratford-upon-Avon to produce plays with such intricate understanding of law, literature, and courtly life. Additionally, the absence of substantial historical documentation about Shakespeare's life raises doubts about his capability as a playwright. These concerns have led to various theories proposing alternative authorship.
• How do the arguments presented by anti-Stratfordians challenge traditional views on Shakespeare's authorship?
  • Anti-Stratfordians challenge traditional views on Shakespeare's authorship by positing that a person with more significant education or social standing must have written the plays. They argue that individuals like Edward de Vere or Christopher Marlowe possessed both the necessary literary skill and lived experiences that align more closely with the themes found in Shakespeare's works. Their arguments often highlight gaps in Shakespeare's biography and emphasize the sophistication and knowledge exhibited in his writing that they believe would be unattainable for a man of his background.
• Evaluate how the authorship debate influences contemporary perceptions of literature and artistic expression.
  • The authorship debate influences contemporary perceptions of literature by prompting discussions about who gets to be recognized as an author based on their social status, education, and experiences. This debate highlights broader themes related to class and access to creative expression during historical periods like the Renaissance. As scholars continue to explore alternative candidates for authorship, it opens up conversations about the role of identity in artistic creation and challenges traditional notions of legitimacy in literature. Ultimately, this discourse invites readers and critics alike to rethink how they interpret works attributed to canonical figures in literary history.

Related terms

Shakespearean Canon: The collection of works that are universally accepted as written by William Shakespeare, including plays, sonnets, and poems.

Stratfordian Theory: The theory that William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon is indeed the true author of the works attributed to him.

Anti-Stratfordian: A term used to describe those who believe that someone other than William Shakespeare authored the plays and poems commonly attributed to him.