Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Who was Shakespeare?
Position‹2 of 5›

The Post-Stratfordian position

This position presents the post-Stratfordian view that the man from Stratford did not write the works bearing his name. It gathers the cases for alternative authors — Francis Bacon, Christopher Marlowe, the Earl of Oxford and others — citing gaps in his education, documentation and will.

Supporting arguments · 10

  1. Shakespeare’s detailed will makes no mention of books or literature
    Shakespeare’s will was meticulous in its details and he seemed to divide all of his materialistic possessions between his children. However, not a single book, manuscript, or instrument was mentioned, though, his supposed writings were filled with them.
  2. There were rumors during Shakespeare's life
    His contemporaries at the time appear to have harboured suspicions.
  3. Not all of Shakespeare's plays were published in his lifetime
    Around 16 plays were published following his death. As a career writer that published for money, this is highly irregular.
  4. The case for Francis Bacon
    Francis Bacon wrote the works associated with the Bard.
  5. The case for Walter Raleigh
    Due to his life experiences, familiarity with Shakespeare phrases, and familial connection to Shakespeare, Walter Raleigh was the man behind Shakespeare's collected works.
  6. The case for Edward de Vere
    Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, wrote Shakespeare's collected works.
  7. The two Shakespeares
    Shakespeare the playwright and Shakespeare the man are vastly different.
  8. Where is the documentation?
    Unlike his contemporaries, there is no historical documentation to suggest Shakespeare made a living from writing plays.
  9. The case for Christopher Marlowe
    The Elizabethan playwright and poet wrote Shakespeare's works.
  10. An education gap
    The education Shakespeare received would not have encompassed the themes and references visible in his work.