Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was an English nobleman and a prominent figure of the Elizabethan era, often discussed as a candidate for the authorship of William Shakespeare's plays. His aristocratic background, literary talent, and connections to the court fueled speculation that he may have penned many works attributed to Shakespeare, leading to ongoing debates about authorship in literary studies.
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Edward de Vere was born in 1550 and was educated at the prestigious Queen's College, Cambridge, where he developed his literary skills.
He was known for his patronage of the arts and had connections with notable playwrights and poets of his time, including Ben Jonson.
The notion that de Vere authored Shakespeare's works is largely based on circumstantial evidence and parallels between his life experiences and themes found in the plays.
De Vere’s travels across Europe provided him with experiences and knowledge that some scholars believe could have influenced the writing style found in Shakespeare's works.
His death in 1604 predates many of Shakespeare's later plays, adding complexity to claims regarding his authorship of those works.
Review Questions
How did Edward de Vere’s background influence the speculation around his potential authorship of Shakespeare's works?
Edward de Vere's noble status as the 17th Earl of Oxford provided him with access to education, courtly life, and a network of influential figures. This background suggests he had the resources and knowledge to produce sophisticated literature. Many proponents of the Oxfordian theory point to his travels and experiences as parallels to themes present in Shakespeare's plays, suggesting that his life could provide context for the depth found in the works attributed to Shakespeare.
Discuss the implications of the Shakespeare Authorship Question in relation to Edward de Vere’s contributions to Elizabethan literature.
The Shakespeare Authorship Question raises significant implications regarding the understanding of Elizabethan literature, particularly if Edward de Vere is recognized as a legitimate author. If de Vere wrote works traditionally attributed to Shakespeare, it would reshape perceptions of authorship and influence within this literary period. It would also highlight how noble patronage played a role in literature during this era, impacting how we view literary culture and identity among writers at the time.
Evaluate how the debate over Edward de Vere's authorship relates to broader discussions about literary merit and class within Elizabethan society.
The debate over Edward de Vere’s authorship opens up broader discussions about literary merit tied to class distinctions in Elizabethan society. If de Vere, an aristocrat, authored these works, it may imply that literary excellence was reserved for individuals of high social status. This perspective complicates our understanding of who could produce significant cultural works during this time. It also raises questions about how class influenced both access to education and the societal recognition of literary contributions, potentially sidelining talented commoners who lacked similar advantages.
Related terms
Shakespeare Authorship Question: A debate over whether William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon actually wrote the plays and sonnets attributed to him, with various alternative candidates proposed, including Edward de Vere.
The body of work produced during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, marked by a flourishing of poetry, drama, and prose, which included significant figures like Shakespeare and Sidney.
Courtier: A person who attends the royal court and engages in its social and political activities; de Vere was known as a courtier who navigated the complexities of Elizabethan court life.