The new movie Anonymous has caused quite an uproar with its premise that the man we know as William Shakespeare might have actually been a fraud. But debates about Shakespeare’s identity have been around for a long time. There have been suggestions that Shakespeare was actually just the front for a group of writers working together, that he plagiarized from an earlier author and even that he was actually a ‘she.’ So, the movie’s theory that Shakespeare’s works were actually written by Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford is not really that shocking. Nonetheless, it has caused quite a stir. But to play the devil’s advocate, does it really matter? Would Shakespeare’s identity have any real impact on our view of the work itself? Ben Brantley examines this interesting counter argument in his article, Who Wrote Shakespeare? Who Cares?
I agree with Mr. Brantley, it really doesn’t matter to me who Shakespeare was. Of course, I am curious about the truth of the matter. For history’s sake, the true identity of the person/persons who wrote those great works needs to be discovered. But, like Mr. Brantley discusses in his article, great works of art transcend their creators. When it comes to Shakespeare, the words and the infinite ways in which they can be interpreted are far more interesting than the possibly false identity of the playwright.
In fact, I have always considered the possibility that the Shakespeare works have been written by more than just one person. At times, I find the work too diversely interpret-able and universal to have plausibly come from the thoughts of just one person. If indeed, William Shakespeare was the glove maker’s son from Stanford-upon-Avon, I stand in profound admiration for the genius of one man. If not and it turns out that he had help, then, it wouldn’t surprise me. Mr. Brantley makes a good point; however shocking Shakespeare’s real identity turns out to be, the work will remain as important and profound as ever.
I agree that even if Shakespeare did not write the plays, they are still important. However, I wouldn’t say that it doesn’t matter. I think that underneath this film, the problem of ownership is being mentioned. In a way I feel that the movie is saying they do not support stealing works of others.
As we are taught over and over in orientation, freshman seminar, and really all our classes I think the main problem here is giving credit to the rightful owner/author of the works. Its the only just thing to do. (Is knowing the author relevant in your experience and opinion of the play? I would argue it does not and should not, but that me.)
While I agree that it may be important to find out the truth, I wonder if it is worth it. Shakespeare has become such an icon. When I went to London I visited the. Globe Theater as well as Shakespeare’s birthplace. The idea of Shakespeare, the works themselves, and the culture that has developed around these may have grown to the point that the truth doesn’t matter as much as it should.
I feel that the suspicion arising about Shakespeares identity because of the fact that he is just the son of a glove maker and not one who is more noble is somewhat absurd. Yes, it would be held that the suspicion is not even closed to being solely based on the fact that he comes from a poor background, but people definitely take it into account. That’s like saying a poor man cannot be self educated. I also feel that it doesn’t matter if Shakespeare did or didn’t actually write all these plays. The importance is in the essence of the plays and the writings, not the writer or writers.
I agree that there is a lot of suspicion toward the character of Shakespeare because of his status. However, i never gave it too much thought until this movie. I’ve always believed people’s intelligence does not reflect the status of their standing in society. However, given the commercials I’m really interested in watching the movie and seeing the different opinions on this matter. However, Shakespeare’s true identity will not affect my view of his works.