Did Shakespeare Really Write All His Plays?
Why is it Thought that William Shakespeare Didn't Write All the Plays Attributed to Him?
The Reasons Beyond the Myth
It is commonly believed that William Shakespeare, one of the most celebrated playwrights in history, did not author all of the plays that are credited to him. There are two major reasons for this belief:
Shakespeare often collaborated with other playwrights on many of his works. A small minority of people believe that he did not write any of his works.Collaborations with Other Playwrights
Shakespeare was known to have worked as part of a team, much like modern movie collaborations in Hollywood. Some of his well-known plays, such as the Henry VI trilogy, were written by multiple authors. Here are some instances of his collaborations:
Titus Andronicus: Shakespeare co-wrote this play with George Peele. Henry VI: This trilogy was partly written by Thomas Nashe or Thomas Kyd. Timon of Athens: Shakespeare worked with Thomas Middleton on parts of this play. Pericles: Shakespeare collaborated with George Wilkins, a known drunk and brothel-keeper. These works were co-authored by Shakespeare and John Fletcher. Cardenio: A lost play that was to be written jointly with John Fletcher.The Origin of the Theory
It is important to note that Shakespeare's contemporaries did not entertain the idea that he did not write his own works. However, the theory that Shakespeare had no part in writing his plays emerged in the 18th century, as a result of a book on sailing. This idea gained traction in the 19th century and was championed by individuals such as Looney and Bacon. Despite the popularity of this theory, there is no concrete evidence to support it. Some literature in defense of this theory includes The Philosophy of the Plays of Shakespeare Unfolded by Delia Bacon.
Contemporary Evidence
Despite these theories, there is substantial evidence that Shakespeare indeed wrote and performed his plays. Many 16th and 17th-century documents provide compelling evidence:
Title Registrations: These documents indicate what plays Shakespeare wrote and when they were registered. Performance Records: Documents showing when and where his plays were performed. Payment Records: Records showing how much money he earned for his work. Correspondence with Contemporaries: References by his contemporaries who described him with respect and admiration. For example, Ben Jonson once called him an "upstart crow" but praised his "excellent fantasy, brave notions and gentle expressions."Given these documented accounts, it is highly unlikely that Shakespeare did not write his own works. The theory that he authored none of his plays persists, but it is unsupported by historical records.
Contemporary Beliefs and Jealousy
It is worth noting that while some believe Shakespeare did not write his plays, there is also a historical reason for the belief that Shakespeare might not have written them. During the late 16th and early 17th centuries, there was a notable amount of jealousy towards Shakespeare from writers who had pursued higher education, such as those from the universities. Despite this, there are no records or contemporary evidence suggesting that anyone in Shakespeare's lifetime seriously doubted that he was the author of his works.
In conclusion, the belief that Shakespeare did not write his plays is a myth with no substantial historical backing. The evidence clearly shows that Shakespeare collaborated with fellow playwrights and was the author of his famous works, backed by contemporaneous evidence and historical records. The idea that others wrote his plays without his involvement is a theory without factual support.