Period 2
3-27-07
Shakespeare Quest
1. What is the Shakespeare authorship problem?
2. What literary, cultural, and political figures doubt that Shakespeare was the sole author of the work?
3. Make a chronological history of the doubts that surround the authorship of the Shakespearean canon.
-1623- First Folio was published 7 years after the Stratfordian citizen�s death
-The only specimens of William Shakspere's handwriting to come down to us are six almost illegible signatures
-syllable, incidentally, in all these signatures is spelled "Shak", whereas the published plays and poems consistently spell the name "Shake"
4. Now do the same for the doubts surrounding the Stratfordian attribution.
Edward de Vere
-His death in 1604 bars him from writing several plays they believe (but cannot prove) were written later
- The quality of de Vere's published early poetry is inferior to that of Shakespeare.
-There is no reference during the lifetime of Shakepere of Stratford (1564-1616)
-In the Stratford man's will, noteworthy for its detailed disposition of household furniture, there is no mention of books, library, manuscripts, or of any literary interest
5. Consider the logic/illogic of each position and evaluate the effectiveness of each argument.
-It does make logical sense that Shakespeare was not the true author of his works. If the man could not even spell his own name correctly it is highly doubtful that he could write the greatest works of English literature of all time.
-It could be that the name, William Shakespeare, was a pen name of the true author and coincidentally, some one else had the same name as their real name
6. Make a list of the six contenders for the authorship question. Then add to each as much significant evidence that is presented.
Marlowe, Bacon, de Vere, Derby, Shakespeare, James Wilmot
Part II.
1. Many authorities have made claims that De Vere more than anyone is most closely related to being the author of the Shakespearean collection. Why?
- de Vere lived along the same timeline as the man that claims to be the real �Shakespeare�
- Both were highly acclaimed poets at the time
2. What are some of the coincidental connections between the Earl of Oxford and Shakespeare? Are these connections strong enough to support Oxfordian Claims?
- Both were highly acclaimed poets and writers at the time
- Both had strikingly similar characters
I don�t think that this is enough information seeing as Shakespeare published poems and plays after de Vere�s death in 1604 and Shakespeare seemed to have a better grasp of the English language and how to manipulate it to tell his story than Edward de Vere did.
3. What problems exist between the authorship of the Shakespearean poems and plays?
-Several of the poems, sonnets and plays published by Shakespeare are published after de Vere�s death in 1604
-De Vere�s writing is lacking of the flow and tone of most of Shakespeare�s writing
4. What similarities exist between DeVere's writing and Shakespeare's writing? (consider style and structure)
-Shakespeare seems to have a better grasp of the English language and how to manipulate it to tell his story than Edward de Vere did
5. What type of logic/illogic is used to support the Oxfordian claims?
-Lord Cecil (friend of de Vere) is extremely similar to the Shakespearean character Polonius.
-Anne Cecil (wife of Lord Cecil) is similar to the Shakespearean character Ophelia
-If he was Shakespeare then he would have published several poems and plays POST- MORTEM