1. The First Folio (1623): The prologue only appears in the First Folio, the first collected edition of Shakespeare's plays published after his death. This means it wasn't part of any known quarto editions (earlier published versions of the play).
2. The Prologue's Tone: The prologue is quite formal and poetic, almost like a sonnet, and uses a different style than some of Shakespeare's other prologues. This has led some scholars to speculate that it might be the work of a later editor or collaborator.
3. The Play's Revisions: It's possible that the prologue was added or heavily revised after Shakespeare's death. The First Folio was compiled by Shakespeare's fellow actors, and they may have felt the need to add a prologue for the printed version.
However, there are also strong arguments supporting Shakespeare's authorship:
1. The Language and Style: The prologue's language and imagery are consistent with Shakespeare's known work, and there are several lines that echo themes and vocabulary found in other Shakespearean plays.
2. The Dramatic Purpose: The prologue perfectly sets the stage for the tragedy that unfolds, foreshadowing the key themes of love, hate, and fate. It's hard to imagine that a later editor would have been able to craft such a fitting and impactful prologue.
Conclusion: While the exact origin of the prologue remains a topic of debate, it is generally considered a part of Shakespeare's play. The weight of evidence leans towards Shakespeare being the most likely author, but the question of authorship is still open to interpretation.
Whether it was written by Shakespeare or a later editor, the prologue remains a powerful and essential introduction to one of Shakespeare's most enduring and tragic love stories.