1. The Stratfordian Theory: This is the most widely accepted theory, which states that William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon was indeed the sole author of all the plays and poems attributed to him. The arguments in favor of this theory include:
* Documentary evidence: There is significant historical evidence supporting Shakespeare's authorship, including legal documents, personal records, and the testimony of contemporaries.
* Literary evidence: The plays and poems display a remarkable consistency in style, language, and themes that are consistent with what we know about Shakespeare's life and times.
* Lack of credible alternatives: While numerous claimants have been put forward as potential authors, none of them have provided convincing evidence or a compelling alternative narrative to Shakespeare's authorship.
2. The Anti-Stratfordian Theories: This camp encompasses various theories that posit Shakespeare of Stratford was not the true author, and other individuals or a group of individuals wrote the works. Some popular anti-Stratfordian theories include:
* Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford: One of the most popular alternative candidates, he was a nobleman with a strong interest in the arts and a reputation for brilliance. Advocates point to similarities in his life and the themes of the plays, as well as his connections to prominent literary figures of the time.
* Francis Bacon: Another prominent figure, he was a philosopher, scientist, and statesman. Anti-Stratfordian proponents argue that the plays contain hidden messages and encoded secrets reflecting Bacon's own beliefs and worldview.
* A Collaborative Group: Some believe the plays were written by a group of individuals, possibly including Shakespeare, but with other prominent writers contributing significantly. This theory attempts to explain the diverse range of themes, styles, and knowledge found in the plays.
Both camps offer compelling arguments, but the lack of definitive evidence makes the Shakespeare authorship question remain a subject of debate and ongoing research.
It's important to note that the "anti-Stratfordian" theories lack substantial evidence to support them. While they may offer intriguing possibilities, they haven't been able to definitively prove their claims.