William Shakespeare... or should I say Williamnot...

Please excuse the bad joke above...

William Shakespeare. How could a playwright with only an eighth grade education have such an extensive vocabulary? Know so much about the court? Write amazing works only to leave close to no evidence behind?

These questions have led me to join those who question the legitimacy of Shakespeare. There is a debate between those who call themselves “Stratfordians”, who believe that William Shakespeare actually did write the plays, and the conspiracy theorist “Anti-Stratfordians”. Those who oppose the thought that Shakespeare did write the plays favor the idea that the real author was a member of the royal court, too high up on the social ladder to expose his true identity. This would explain the superior vocabulary and knowledge of the court system. To also add to their argument, the Anti- Stratfordians bring up the point that little to no evidence remains of Shakespeare’s life as a writer. The few signatures that remain are said to be illegible, thus leaving nothing to tie Shakespeare to the plays he supposedly wrote. That then leaves the question- who did write Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and so many others? People such as Edward de Vere (the 17^th Earl of Oxford), Francis Bacon, and Christopher Marlowe are being considered as possibilities, as more and more people begin to doubt the bard. English professors at universities have begun to speak out their thoughts in agreement with those of Charles Dickens, Sigmund Freud, and Mark Twain- it isn’t logical to think that Shakespeare wrote these works.

On the other hand, the Stratfordians argue that although little evidence remains, what does remain is compelling enough to end scrutiny. Many actors and writers from that time acknowledged Shakespeare as a writer, and his close friend Ben Johnson’s eulogy convinces even more of his identity. Eye witnesses are extremely convincing, and although it is impossible to speak with anyone of this period, Shakespeare was often mentioned as a writer in their works and letters. Furthermore, those faithful to Will’s identity also argue that his lack of education is not a reason to doubt him, stating that it wasn’t uncommon for writers of that period to have a lower education. Many of his plays were based on already written works, so little imagination was necessary in writing them. Yet, even if a lacking education was common, it does not explain the superior knowledge of the court and of foreign lands that Shakespeare seems to posses.

Neither side seems to have any solid evidence supporting either theory, but someone had to have written the timeless works we will read for ages. However, the incredible wit and talent of whoever wrote those plays is studied by students across nations, and they are one of the most influential writers in history. Both the Stratfordians and Anti-Stratfordians make very convincing points, and while I am not sure if I believe that the Earl of Oxford wrote A Midsummer Night’s Dream, I join the conspiracy theorists in speculating about a truth that will likely never be found.