guardiannews.com: A group of 22 of the world's leading Shakespeare scholars have come together to produce a book that details what they consider to be definitive evidence that the Bard really did write his own plays.
Since the 1850s, 77 people have been suggested as the likely author, with Francis Bacon, Edward de Vere – the 17th Earl of Oxford – and Christopher Marlowe the most popular candidates, and Queen Elizabeth I among the most outlandish. The academics feel the anti-Shakespeare campaign has intensified lately, and that the elevation of Shakespeare authorship studies to master's degree status has been the final straw.
4 comments:
This debate has always confused me because it seems so incredibly far-fetched. It first came to the forefront of my attention a few years ago when Hollywood came out with the film about this topic, claiming that Shakespeare was a hoax and hadn't actually written all of the plays and sonnets he "supposedly" had. The movie was so dark and accusatory, it seemed like a joke. And after looking deeper into this issue, it still seems that way. How could people get a maser's degree in the subject of Shakespeare's authorship? How do people justify claiming people had written Shakespeare's works when said people weren't even alive at the time of their authorship?
I've always thought this argument to be a little bit silly. The fact of the matter is, these plays have been important to history, culture, theatre, and the English language. It doesn't matter who wrote these plays and sonnets because the person who did write them, did a fantastic job. If someone wants to study who wrote these plays, they can. If someone believes Shakespeare wrote all of the works credited to him, they can. The writings of Shakespeare (or at least whatever is credited to him) have been around for a little over 400 years, and I think it's time to accept these works as they are and appreciate the text of them and how beautiful the writing is instead of ripping apart syllables and lines to see who wrote them.
First off I don't know enough to actually decide either way on whether or not what we know as Shakespeare's works were written by Shakespeare. On one hand it seems silly that anyone would believe otherwise "cause you know, its Shakespeare." But on the other hand if there are universities offering masters in the topic (Although what they intend to do with that major I have no idea certainly not make a living) then there must be some legitimate evidence to the contrary beyond just conspiracy theory. Obviously the Hollywood take on it was what they thought would make the most money, I never would haven seen a biography of Shakespeare, Anonymous was much more interesting. But I also agree with Kelly, who cares who wrote it. The works were written and they have had a huge impact on society. Because any supposed authors are long dead it doesn't seem to matter who we attribute authorship to.
I think if they question Shakespeare it could open up every art form. How do we know if someone actually wrote something or someone actually painted something. I think often times as history passes it is more and more difficult to prove things of this nature especially if originals don't exist. I agree with Isaac and Kelly in regards to it doesn't matter who wrote it. It is still a vital part of theatre and if other forms of art were not made by people we once thought it can still be appreciated.
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