Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Who was Shakespeare?
Position1 of 5›

The Stratfordian position

This position presents the Stratfordian view: that William Shakespeare of Stratford wrote the works bearing his name. It argues the simplest evidence settles it — his name is on the plays and poems — and that there is nothing implausible about a gifted common man from Warwickshire.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. It is there in black and white
    So far, no authorship theory has presented stronger evidence than the name written on the works in black and white.
  2. Shakespeare was a common man from Warwickshire
    By reading the plays, it is clear the author was clearly not a wealthy individual. He is also clearly from Warwickshire.
  3. Shakespeare's name is on the plays and poems attributed to him
    During a time when it wasn't common practice for an author to include a name on a play or poem, Shakespeare is named as the author on the work attributed to him.