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    Did Shakespeare really write all that stuff?

    enNovember 17, 2022

    Podcast Summary

    • Shakespeare Authorship Debate: Who Really Wrote His Plays?The debate over who wrote Shakespeare's works continues, with no definitive evidence supporting either side, and theories ranging from biographical readings to conspiracy theories.

      There are two intriguing podcasts, The Bright Side and The Big Take, available on iHeartRadio, offering diverse content. The Bright Side, hosted by Danielle Robey and Simone Boyce, brings daily conversations about culture, trends, and inspiration. On the other hand, The Big Take from Bloomberg News covers global economic news with expert business reporters. Meanwhile, in the world of literature, there's an ongoing debate about the authorship of William Shakespeare's works. In a recent episode of Stuff You Should Know, hosts Josh and Chuck discussed this topic, acknowledging its complexity and the lack of conclusive evidence on either side. The debate, which has been ongoing since at least the mid-1800s, questions whether Shakespeare from Stratford-upon-Avon was the sole author of his plays and sonnets. Both sides present arguments based on biographical readings and textual analysis, but the evidence remains controversial and often veers into conspiracy theories. Ultimately, the hosts expressed their agnosticism towards the issue.

    • The Authenticity of Shakespeare's AuthorshipDespite evidence of Shakespeare's existence and plays, the question of whether he truly wrote them remains a topic of debate due to a lack of definitive proof and theories suggesting other writers may have been involved.

      The authenticity of William Shakespeare's authorship of his plays is a topic of debate. While we know that Shakespeare existed and was from Stratford-upon-Avon, there is a lack of definitive evidence that the man from Stratford wrote the plays attributed to him. Some believe that he may have been a front for other writers due to the complexities of some of the works and the lack of biographical documentation. Additionally, Shakespeare's background as the son of a glover, while not nobility, suggests that he may have received an education that would have exposed him to the knowledge needed to write the plays. However, this is not definitively known. The debate continues due to the mysteries surrounding Shakespeare's life and the fact that famous figures often become the subjects of conspiracies.

    • Shakespeare's Education and Authorship DebateDespite limited education records, Shakespeare's works are widely accepted as his own, with some controversy over a rival's accusation of plagiarism.

      Shakespeare's education level, around the middle range for his time, is a significant factor in the debate over his authorship. While there is evidence of his education, it's not extensive, and some key periods in his life remain a mystery. A contemporary reference in a pamphlet by Robert Greene, who criticized Shakespeare as an "upstart crow," adds fuel to the debate, with some arguing that this implies Shakespeare stole works and that the reference to "feathers" suggests plagiarism. However, others interpret it as a playful insult, and the overall consensus is that the evidence for Shakespeare's authorship is stronger than for most figures of his time.

    • The Debate over Shakespeare's AuthorshipDespite evidence from his will and tombstone, the lack of concrete proof for Shakespeare's playwriting role fuels ongoing debate

      The debate surrounding the authorship of Shakespeare's works continues due to a lack of concrete evidence, particularly in relation to his role as a playwright. At the time, acting was not as revered as playwriting, and Shakespeare's comment about a fellow actor attempting to write plays was seen as a dig. Archaeological findings, such as his will and tombstone, provide intriguing clues but are open to interpretation. For instance, his curse on the tombstone has been debated, with some arguing it's poor writing for a great author, while others believe it's consistent with Shakespeare's style. Additionally, the loss of his personal effects due to the extinction of his family line is a compelling explanation for the lack of documented evidence of his writing. However, this also leaves room for speculation and controversy.

    • Challenges in understanding Shakespeare's lifeDespite limited documentation, scholars continue to explore potential influences on Shakespeare's works, such as musical influences, to better understand his life and legacy.

      The lack of documentation surrounding Shakespeare's writing and personal effects can be attributed to the short time between his death and the end of his family line, as well as his late popularity. Additionally, the frequent misspellings of his name in historical records may have contributed to the confusion surrounding his identity. Despite these challenges, there have been efforts to uncover more information about Shakespeare, such as the discovery of potential musical influences in his works. Overall, the complexities surrounding Shakespeare's life and legacy continue to intrigue scholars and the public alike.

    • The debate over Shakespeare's authorship: Education vs. AnomaliesSome question Shakespeare's authorship due to his plays' depth and breadth, while others attribute inconsistencies to the era. The debate raises intriguing questions about creativity and human potential.

      The debate surrounding Shakespeare's authorship of his own works is complex and multifaceted, with arguments on both sides presenting compelling evidence. On one hand, there are those who believe that the depth of knowledge and breadth of topics in Shakespeare's plays imply an education and experience beyond what is known about his life. On the other hand, there are those who argue that the inconsistencies in spelling and other apparent anomalies in the historical record can be explained by the era and should not be seen as evidence of a conspiracy. Ultimately, the debate raises intriguing questions about the nature of creativity and the limits of human potential. While some may view the anti-Stratfordian arguments as elitist or unfounded, others see them as a testament to the enduring power and complexity of Shakespeare's works. Regardless of where one falls on the issue, it is clear that Shakespeare's plays continue to captivate and inspire generations of readers and audiences.

    • Exploring Shakespeare's relatability and brillianceShakespeare's plays, written centuries ago, continue to resonate with contemporary audiences due to their relatability and brilliance. Shakespeare intended his works for common audiences, and modern educators and artists continue to make complex concepts understandable in relatable ways.

      Shakespeare's plays, despite being written centuries ago, continue to resonate with contemporary audiences due to their relatability and brilliance. Our professor, Schackby, emphasized this by leading English majors through the plays in class, explaining their meanings as they read aloud. Shakespeare's works were intended for common audiences, and even today, they can evoke laughter and tears. A similar admiration and desire to make complex concepts understandable is seen in Sister Wendy, a nun who made videos explaining art in a relatable way. As for Shakespeare's likeness, a bust of him in Stratford-upon-Avon has been a subject of controversy, with some believing it was made while he was still alive and commissioned by himself. However, the authenticity of the bust remains a topic of debate.

    • The debate over Shakespeare's true identity: Ben Jonson, Francis Bacon, and Walter Raleigh as potential authorsTheories suggesting Ben Jonson, Francis Bacon, and Walter Raleigh as possible authors of Shakespeare's works lack sufficient evidence and fail to fully explain Ben Jonson's behavior or the motives for hiding authorship

      The debate surrounding the true identity of Shakespeare continues to be a subject of intrigue and controversy. The discussion revolves around the authenticity of artifacts, such as the Stratford monument and Shakespeare's quill, and the interpretation of historical texts, including Ben Jonson's forward in the First Folio. Some argue that Ben Jonson, a known rival of Shakespeare, was providing cover for a larger conspiracy involving noblemen like Francis Bacon and Walter Raleigh as the true authors. Others believe that Ben Jonson's rivalry was genuine, and his laudatory words in the forward are evidence of Shakespeare's identity. Delia Bacon, an 1800s skeptic, proposed the theory that Francis Bacon and other nobles wrote the plays as critiques on various social issues, unable to publish under their own names due to potential backlash. However, neither theory fully explains Ben Jonson's behavior or the motivation for these nobles to hide their authorship. The debate continues, with no definitive answer in sight.

    • The Debate Over Shakespeare's True Author: Bacon's Hidden MessagesDespite lack of evidence, the theory that Francis Bacon wrote Shakespeare's works persists due to Bacon's known use of codes and political motives during that time.

      The debate surrounding whether Francis Bacon was the true author of Shakespeare's works is rooted in the stigma of print and political cover during that time. Nobility would not want their identities associated with published works due to the risk of social reputation and even death for treason. Delia Bacon, who is credited with initiating this theory, believed she could uncover the truth by examining the plays themselves, despite a lack of historical records. Bacon, known for hiding codes and messages in his writings, is a plausible candidate as he wrote extensively but not on fiction or plays. However, skepticism arises due to the late discovery and potential forgery of documents supporting this theory. The debate continues to intrigue, with new theories and evidence emerging, highlighting the enduring fascination with uncovering the true identity of Shakespeare.

    • The economic downturn may not be as imminent due to fake paperworkThe revelation of fake paperwork has delayed the expected economic downturn, but it's crucial to prioritize health in our technology-driven lives. Shakespeare's authorship debate continues, with the 17th Earl of Oxford and Christopher Marlow being notable contenders.

      The expected economic downturn may not be as imminent as anticipated due to the revelation of fake paperwork. However, it's important to prioritize health amidst our technology-driven lives. Meanwhile, the debate over Shakespeare's authorship continues, with the 17th Earl of Oxford being a notable contender. The Derbyites, supporters of the sixth Earl of Derby, point to his connection to Shakespeare through dedicated poems and similarities in their biographies. Christopher Marlow, a contemporary of Shakespeare, is another theory, with some suggesting he faked his death and used Shakespeare as a front to continue writing. These theories add layers to the intrigue surrounding the Bard's identity.

    • The Debate over Shakespeare's AuthorshipDespite theories suggesting otherwise, Shakespeare's authorship of his plays remains the most widely accepted, with misinformation spread online often fueling unfounded speculation.

      The authorship of Shakespeare's plays has been a topic of debate for centuries, with various theories suggesting that Marlovian, women, or even a collaboration could be the true authors. However, many of these theories lack solid evidence and are often based on misinformation spread through the internet. For instance, the idea that Amelia Bassano, a black woman, wrote Shakespeare's works is a myth. She was actually a published poet and not of African descent. The motive behind the supposed need to hide one's identity as an author during that time was due to women not being allowed to write plays. However, this theory doesn't hold up well as there are records of women writing during that era. Ultimately, the authorship of Shakespeare's works remains attributed to him, and while it's intriguing to consider alternative theories, it's essential to approach them with a critical and factual perspective.

    • Mock Trial to Determine Shakespeare's AuthorshipDespite a mock trial with Supreme Court justices, the debate over Shakespeare's authorship remains unresolved due to differing beliefs and interpretations of evidence

      The debate over Shakespeare's authorship has a long history, with various theories and evidence presented throughout the centuries. One notable event occurred in 1987 when Oxfordian Charlton Ogburn held a mock trial with three sitting Supreme Court justices to determine Shakespeare's authorship. Despite their interest and thorough research, the trial ended in a 2-1 vote in favor of Shakespeare from Stratford. Ogburn believed this would definitively prove his theory, but it did not. Other evidence includes Shakespeare's publication of the narrative poem "Venus and Adonis" and contemporary criticisms of his writing while he was still alive. Additionally, Shakespeare's efforts to obtain a coat of arms suggest his concern for his family's reputation and further support his authorship. However, the debate ultimately comes down to belief, with some finding it hard to accept that one man could have been so brilliant and talented, while others find the alternative theories more convincing.

    • Appreciating Shakespeare's works is keyFocus on enjoying Shakespeare's plays, not just his life, and send in your unique perspectives to the show.

      While delving into the intricacies of Shakespeare's life and his plays can be fascinating, it's essential to remember the ultimate goal is to enjoy the plays themselves. There were discussions about regional slang and Latin phrases used by Shakespeare, but the speakers agreed that the primary focus should be on appreciating the works. A listener's email about squid added an interesting perspective, suggesting that since squid would consume their own offspring if not for an adaptation, it's justifiable to eat them sustainably. The speakers also encouraged listeners to send in their potentially eye-opening emails to the show. The podcast covered various topics, including The Big Take from Bloomberg News, The Bright Side, and Body Electric Challenge. The iHeartRadio Music Awards were also mentioned, featuring performances by notable artists. Overall, the podcast offered a mix of knowledge, entertainment, and practical advice.

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