The document discusses the Shakespeare authorship question, which argues that someone other than William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon actually wrote the works traditionally attributed to him. Supporters of this theory believe the real author or authors could not publicly take credit for reasons such as social rank, security, or gender. While the idea attracts public interest, most Shakespeare scholars reject the theory due to lack of evidence. The authorship question first emerged in the 19th century as Shakespeare's fame grew. Despite scholarly consensus, some prominent figures continue to question Shakespeare's authorship through publications and conferences to promote alternative candidates.

1. Shakespeare authorship question Nazar Petrenko

2. The Shakespeare authorship question is the argument that someone other than William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon wrote the works traditionally attributed to him, The Problem

3. and that the historical Shakespeare was merely a front to shield the identity of the real author or authors, who for reasons such as social rank, state security or gender could not safely take public credit. Although the idea has attracted much public interest, all but a few Shakespeare scholars and literary historians consider it a fringe belief with no hard evidence, and for the most part disregard it except to rebut or disparage the claims.

4. The History of the Question Shakespeare's authorship was first questioned in the middle of the 19th century, when adulation of Shakespeare as the greatest writer of all time had become widespread.

5. Shakespeare's signatures have often been cited as evidence for his illiteracy. Shakespeare's education and literacy

6. Conclusion Despite the scholastic consensus, a relatively small but highly visible and diverse assortment of supporters, including some prominent public figures, have questioned the traditional authorship attribution. They campaign through publications, organisations, online discussion groups, and conferences to gain public acceptance of the authorship question as a legitimate field of academic inquiry and to promote one or another of the various authorship candidates.