the Oxfordian theory

The Oxfordian theory suggests that Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true author of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets. Proponents argue that de Vere's life experiences and education align more closely with the works attributed to Shakespeare than William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon. They point to de Vere's noble status, his travel experiences, and his literary connections as evidence that he could have had the knowledge and perspective reflected in the plays. This theory challenges the traditional view that William Shakespeare himself wrote the works, highlighting issues of authorship and literary attribution in the Renaissance.