Argumentative Essay: Is William Shakespeare The Author?

William Shakespeare is universally considered as the greatest playwright in the English language. Coincidentally, it is heavily debated whether he is the actual “Shakespeare.” Doubts about the authorship of Shakespeare’s works were first speculated in the late 18th century by Reverend James Wilmot, who claimed that he was distraught by the lack of local references in Shakespeare’s works (Rubenstein 74). Since the 19th century, the doubts have increased rapidly and result in the Shakespearean controversy. Arguments against Shakespeare’s authorship are based on conjecture because there are not enough facts to argue that he is not the author. His language and characterization are consistent with a single author, his genius does not rely on education, and the argument that he is not educated is simply invalid. Those who would argue that Shakespeare is not the author are basing their arguments on ideas inconsistent with history of the Elizabethan times.

He was educated in the topics of: mathematics, natural sciences, logic, ethics, literature, and Latin. Although he did not attend a university, it was not uncommon in the 1500’s to solely obtain a high school education. On the other hand, university education was reserved for the wealthy sons of the elite class, and even then, most men wanted to become clergymen. Unfortunately, Shakespeare’s father was a dealer of wool and farm products, which did not qualify for his son to be eligible for a university education. Luckily, the numerous classical and literary references in Shakespeare’s plays were a testament to the excellent education that he received in grammar school, and spoke about his ability of an