Who wrote the play ‘Hamlet’?

The Authorship of a Timeless Tragedy

The play ‘Hamlet’, one of the most renowned works of literature in human history, has been a subject of fascination for theater enthusiasts and scholars alike for centuries. It is a tragedy written in the early 17th century, and its authorship has been widely attributed to the celebrated English playwright William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare’s Life and Works

William Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. His body of work includes 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and numerous other poems and writings. Some of his most notable works include:

– Romeo and Juliet
– Macbeth
– King Lear
– Othello
– A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The Attribution of ‘Hamlet’

While there are some conspiracy theories surrounding the true authorship of Shakespeare’s works, the overwhelming majority of scholars accept that William Shakespeare wrote ‘Hamlet’. The evidence includes:

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• Historical records and accounts from the time period that cite Shakespeare as the author of ‘Hamlet’.
• The style and language of the play are consistent with Shakespeare’s other works.
• ‘Hamlet’ is included in the First Folio, a collection of Shakespeare’s plays published in 1623.

Theories on Authorship

Despite the consensus among scholars, there have been various alternative theories on the authorship of ‘Hamlet’ proposed over the years. Some of these theories include:

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• Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, who was proposed as the true author by some scholars in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Francis Bacon, an English philosopher and statesman, who was also suggested as a possible author.
• Christopher Marlowe, a fellow playwright and contemporary of Shakespeare, who was proposed as a co-author or even the sole author of the play.

However, these theories have not gained widespread acceptance and are not supported by the majority of scholars.

Conclusion

The authorship of ‘Hamlet’ is widely attributed to William Shakespeare, and the evidence supporting this attribution is substantial. While alternative theories have been proposed, they lack concrete evidence and are not widely accepted. As we continue to appreciate and study ‘Hamlet’, it is clear that Shakespeare’s genius and mastery of language have created a work that will be cherished for generations to come.