All theories about Shakespeare's existence

 

      William Shakespeare, the greatest playwright of the English language, is one of the most influential names in world literature. His plays, sonnets, and poems have transcended centuries and continue to inspire artists, writers, and scholars. However, over the years, various theories have emerged questioning his real identity. Who really wrote the works attributed to him? Was Shakespeare a solitary genius, a collective pseudonym, or just a name used by another author? The debate continues to fascinate scholars and spark the curiosity of all those enchanted by his work.

One of the main theories suggests that William Shakespeare, the man born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, was indeed the author of his works. This traditional view is defended by scholars from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, who highlight historical records, references to his name, and textual evidence linking his plays to his biography. According to this perspective, Shakespeare had extensive knowledge of the world, politics, and the human condition, something reflected in his masterfully constructed plays.

However, some critics argue that a man of modest origins and little formal education could hardly have accumulated the level of erudition and literary sophistication found in his works. This questioning gave rise to alternative theories suggesting that Shakespeare was, in fact, a pseudonym used by another writer. One of the main candidates is Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford. This theory, widely defended by American academics such as Joseph Sobran and Charlton Ogburn, argues that De Vere possessed the linguistic and cultural knowledge necessary to write such refined plays.

Another intriguing theory suggests that Francis Bacon, a philosopher and essayist of the 16th century, was the true author of Shakespeare's works. Proponents of this hypothesis, such as the Bacon Society group, believe that the plays contain encoded messages indicating his authorship. Furthermore, they highlight that Bacon had an exceptional command of rhetoric and philosophical thought, characteristics present in Shakespearean texts.

The hypothesis of Christopher Marlowe presents an even more mysterious scenario. Marlowe, a contemporary of Shakespeare and also a playwright, supposedly faked his own death to continue writing without political persecution. According to this theory, supported by scholars like Calvin Hoffman, Shakespeare was merely a facade name to protect Marlowe, who lived under threats due to his controversial opinions.

There is also a less conventional theory that points to a collective effort in the creation of Shakespeare's works. According to this line of thought, various figures of the Elizabethan aristocracy, including writers and intellectuals of the time, anonymously contributed to the texts, using Shakespeare's name as a kind of literary "brand." This hypothesis is supported by some researchers at Harvard University, who have analyzed stylistic patterns and concluded that there are multiple "voices" in Shakespearean works.

Advancements in textual attribution science have brought new perspectives to this question. Recent studies conducted by European and North American universities, using artificial intelligence and computational analysis, suggest that Shakespeare may have collaborated with other playwrights, such as Thomas Middleton and John Fletcher. These discoveries reinforce the idea that the Elizabethan theater was an environment of intense artistic collaboration.

Regardless of Shakespeare's true identity, the impact of his works is undeniable. His plays continue to be performed worldwide, his verses are still quoted and analyzed, and his influence persists in various fields of knowledge. The mystery surrounding his existence only adds another layer of fascination to his work, making his figure even more intriguing for scholars and literature enthusiasts.

Thus, whether he was a solitary genius, an aristocratic pseudonym, or a collective name, what truly matters is the grandeur of his words and ideas. The doubt about his identity does not diminish his importance but rather strengthens his legend. As Shakespeare himself would say: "What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet."

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