By: Ethan Heidrich, Michael Egan, Gabie Vogel, Victor Guerra, Rayleen Perez The Shakespeare Conspiracy
What is the Shakespeare Conspiracy? A question of whether Shakespeare (the Stratford-upon-Avon man) wrote all of the works that he is credited with writing
When Did it Happen and Why? First came about 150 years after Shakespeare’s death It came about because Shakespeare: Lacked necessary education for advanced work, especially in literature and dramatic works Lacked the aristocratic upbringing
Who is Involved in the Conspiracy? Francis Bacon Edward de Vere (17 th Earl of Oxford) Christopher Marlowe Sir Walter Raleigh Queen Elizabeth??? William Shakespeare Skeptics in England Shakespeare Oxford Society (1957)
Who is Francis Bacon? January 22, 1561 – April 9, 1626 English philosopher, statesman, scientist, juror, and author Served as Attorney General and Lord Chancellor of England Very active in scientific revolution Developed the Baconian method (often referred to as the scientific method) Favorite candidate for “Anti-Stratfordians” until recently
Who is Edward de Vere? April – June th Earl of Oxford English peer and courtier Reckless, unpredictable, and violent nature Patron of the arts, lyric poet, and playwright Most popular candidate for the authorship of Shakespeare’s works since 1920s Newest candidate
Who is Christopher Marlowe? February – May English dramatist, poet, and translator Mysterious early death Greatly influenced Shakespeare Plays known for blank verse and overreaching protagonists Some people believe Marlowe didn’t die
Why Wouldn’t Shakespeare Have Written the Plays? Shakespeare grew up with virtually no education If Shakespeare was a nobleman, it would make sense for a hidden writing hobby to exist Anagrams in the plays suggest that someone else may have written the plays There was perhaps a political coverup Strange arguments in works, such as practical jokes Academy is covering up the truth
Why Would Shakespeare Have Written the Plays? Shakespeare attended the Stratford Free School Heavy curriculum on Greek and Latin “Taming of the Shrew” alludes to the Latin textbook used in the Stratford Free School King James, Queen Elizabeth, Edward de Vere all wrote poetry under their own names No proof of anagrams By “decoding” some “significant” letters, almost any result can come up Interpretations are made by grabbing a single line in one of the many plays
Conclusion Nobody knows for sure if Shakespeare wrote the plays or if “Shakespeare” is a cover-up for the real writer Still prominent discussion New movie “Anonymous” is based on the Shakespeare Conspiracy Came out in 2011