Shakespeare Authorship Question: Bacon, de Vere, Marlowe, and Women Writers
TheCollector explores the ongoing controversy regarding the true authorship of the plays traditionally credited to William Shakespeare, who was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. He received his education at King's New School and wed Anne Hathaway at the age of 18, becoming a father to three children: Susanna (born May 1583) and twins Judith and Hamnet (born February 1585). Tragically, Hamnet passed away at the age of 11 on August 11, 1596. Critics point to his humble origins and absence of a university degree as reasons to doubt his capability to produce such complex works. Alternative candidates for authorship include Sir Francis Bacon, Edward de Vere, Christopher Marlowe, Mary Sidney, and Emilia Bassano, all linked to Shakespeare's network. The article discusses these theories without taking a definitive stance, emphasizing the enduring enigma.
Key facts
- William Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Shakespeare attended King's New School, learning Latin and grammar.
- He married Anne Hathaway at age 18; their daughter Susanna was born in May 1583.
- Twins Judith and Hamnet were born in February 1585; Hamnet died on August 11, 1596.
- Shakespeare divided his time between London and Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Sir Francis Bacon attended Cambridge University, developed the scientific method, and was Lord Chancellor.
- Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford, died in 1604, before many of Shakespeare's later works.
- Christopher Marlowe was more popular than Shakespeare in Tudor England and had a similar writing style.
- Mary Sidney was an accomplished writer of closet dramas and a patron of the arts.
- Emilia Bassano was born in London to Venetian merchants and had connections to Shakespeare's patrons.
Entities
Artists
- William Shakespeare
- Anne Hathaway
- Susanna Shakespeare
- Judith Shakespeare
- Hamnet Shakespeare
- Francis Bacon
- Edward de Vere
- Christopher Marlowe
- Mary Sidney
- Philip Sidney
- Emilia Bassano
- William Cecil
- Elizabeth I
Institutions
- King's New School
- Cambridge University
- Lord Chamberlain's Men
- Tudor court
- Privy Council
- National Portrait Gallery
- Library of Congress
Locations
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- England
- London
- Central Park
- United Kingdom