William Shakespeare Research Paper

Was Shakespeare the Real Author of the Plays he was Credited for?

In 1564, William Shakespeare was born in England. He is known as an English poet and playwright today. Some of his famous works include: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. He is responsible for hundreds of invented words. Despite his achievements, many people suspect that Shakespeare was not the author of his own writings and plays. It is suspected that his plays were seen as more of a collaborative effort. Several of his plays seemed to be influenced by history books, myths, old tales, and other sources. William Shakespeare is thought not to be the author of the well-known works, because of his education level, background, playbills, and the lack

He only attended school until he was fifteen. Shakespeare never continued to further his education in a university or college. Growing up in a small town, he was only known as a village lad and a businessman. He, in fact, was not known as a playwright. He had never traveled outside of Stratford or London. Anti-Stratfordians believe that a commoner from Stratford would not be able to write plays as well as Shakespeare did.

Although, playbills showed his acting stake. There are legal documents relating to his stake at the Globe Theater, but none stating he was an author of any sort. There are no records saying Shakespeare actually wrote his plays. No records show him owning any books or anything that could help him write. Lack of records make people suspect that he is not the true author of his writings.

The lack of evidence has led to critics stating that Shakespeare’s plays were written by a different writer. There is believed to be hidden messages (or anagrams) in the plays, hinting at the possibility that these plays could have been written by other individuals. Some of those individuals include: Edward De Vere, Sir Francis Bacon, and William Stanley. Evidence points to these three men for several reasons, including their history and education

He owned his own theater company and was known as an author. He was also known as an English nobleman and politician. Stanley is a possibility for writing Shakespeare's plays because he had the education and experience. Stanley, unlike Shakespeare, traveled and would know all about Europe. In which traveling would provide the information that is in the plays.

In 1595, William Shakespeare connected with the Globe theater for the first time. In the Globe theater, there are important dates and documents pertaining to Shakespeare. Theater documents are the only thing stating that he was a actual actor. The documents show that most of his plays were staged there. Although some evidence makes it seem like Shakespeare did not write his own plays, there is not enough evidence to state that he did or did not.

All in all, the evidence given is weak and does not prove anything. Although several people suspect that he is not the true author, evidence does not exist stating that Shakespeare was not. Even though some Shakespeareans still believe he is the true author, other people still disagree. With little to no evidence supporting both sides, it still cannot be answered. Although he may not have had the education or experience, he is still known as The William