Shakespeare's Plays and Their Authorship, Dating, and Historical Context

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Explore the scholarly debates and historical analysis surrounding the authorship and dating of Shakespeare's plays, including 'Pericles, Prince of Tyre', 'Coriolanus', 'The Winter's Tale', 'Cymbeline', 'The Tempest', the lost play 'Cardenio', and 'Henry VIII'. Discover insights into the collaborative nature of some works, the influence of contemporary events on their composition, and the performance history that sheds light on Shakespeare's era.

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Shakespeare's Plays and Their Authorship, Dating, and Historical Context

Authorship and Composition of "Pericles, Prince of Tyre"

Debate over Shakespeare's sole authorship

Scholars question whether Shakespeare was the sole author of "Pericles, Prince of Tyre" due to its exclusion from the First Folio and similarities to George Wilkins's work

Evidence for a collaborative effort between Shakespeare and Wilkins

Stylistic analysis

Stylistic analysis suggests that Wilkins wrote the first nine scenes and Shakespeare wrote scenes 10 through 22

Similarities to Wilkins's prose work

The play's similarities to Wilkins's "The Painful Adventures of Pericles Prince of Tyre" support the idea of a collaborative effort

Contested views on Wilkins's contribution

Scholars have differing opinions on the extent of Wilkins's contribution to the play

Dating and Performance History of "Coriolanus"

First recorded in the Stationers' Register in 1623

The play was first recorded in the Stationers' Register in 1623, providing a starting point for dating

Believed to have been written between 1605 and 1609

Scholars use references to historical events and the play's structure to narrow down the dating to between 1605 and 1609

Likely intended for the indoor Blackfriars Theatre

The play's structure suggests it was written for the Blackfriars Theatre, which the King's Men acquired in 1608

Chronological Placement of "The Winter's Tale"

Lack of direct contemporary references

The absence of direct contemporary references makes dating "The Winter's Tale" challenging

Performance at the Globe Theatre in 1611

An account by Simon Forman documents a performance of the play at the Globe Theatre in 1611

Stylistic analysis and comparison to other plays

Stylistic analysis and rare word usage suggest a composition date of late 1610 to early 1611, placing "The Winter's Tale" after "Coriolanus" but before "Cymbeline" and "The Tempest."

Connections and Dating of "Cymbeline"

Similarities to "Philaster" by Beaumont and Fletcher

Thematic and linguistic similarities between "Cymbeline" and "Philaster" suggest a contemporaneous period of composition

Likely written for the Blackfriars Theatre

The play's design elements indicate it was written for the Blackfriars Theatre, which Shakespeare's company began using in 1608

References to historical events and political context

References to Thomas Heywood's "The Golden Age" and Prince Henry's investiture in 1610 provide evidence for dating "Cymbeline" to around 1610

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Inclusion of 'Pericles' in Folios

'Pericles' absent in First Folio, included in Third with canonical/apocryphal plays, raising authorship doubts.

Stylistic division of 'Pericles'

Wilkins likely wrote scenes 1-9, Shakespeare scenes 10-22, based on stylistic analysis.

Wilkins's prose work link

Similarities between 'Pericles' and Wilkins's 'The Painful Adventures' suggest his involvement.

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The Authorship and Composition of "Pericles, Prince of Tyre"

The authorship of "Pericles, Prince of Tyre" is a matter of scholarly debate, as the play was not included in the First Folio of Shakespeare's works, leading to questions about Shakespeare's sole authorship. It was later included in the Third Folio, which contained both canonical and apocryphal plays, adding to the uncertainty. Current scholarship generally supports the idea of a collaborative effort between William Shakespeare and George Wilkins. Stylistic analysis suggests that Wilkins likely wrote the first nine scenes, while Shakespeare is thought to have penned scenes 10 through 22. This division is corroborated by similarities between the play and Wilkins's prose work, "The Painful Adventures of Pericles Prince of Tyre." While some scholars, such as Doreen Delvecchio and Anthony Hammond, have attributed inconsistencies in the text to flawed transmission rather than co-authorship, their views are contested by others, including Brian Vickers and MacDonald P. Jackson, who advocate for Wilkins's significant contribution to the play.

Scene from an Elizabethan theater with wooden stage and trap door, carved balcony and empty benches, soft lighting from above.

The Dating and Performance History of "Coriolanus"

The play "Coriolanus" has a complex history of publication and performance. It was first recorded in the Stationers' Register in 1623 and is believed to have been written between 1605 and 1609. The play's content, including references to events like the Midlands corn riots and the harsh winter of 1607-08, helps narrow down the dating. The structure of "Coriolanus" suggests it was intended for the indoor Blackfriars Theatre, which the King's Men acquired in 1608. Scholars such as R. B. Parker and Lee Bliss have dated the play to approximately 1608-1609, with Bliss proposing that it may have been the inaugural production of the King's Men at the Blackfriars Theatre.

Chronological Placement of "The Winter's Tale"

Dating "The Winter's Tale" is challenging due to the absence of direct contemporary references. However, an account by Simon Forman documents a performance at the Globe Theatre in 1611. Stylistic analysis, including the use of rare words, places the play's composition near that of "Measure for Measure" and "Pericles," and in close proximity to "The Tempest." John Pitcher, editor of the Arden Shakespeare edition, suggests a composition date of late 1610 to early 1611, positioning "The Winter's Tale" after "Coriolanus" but before "Cymbeline" and "The Tempest" in the chronology of Shakespeare's works.

Connections and Dating of "Cymbeline"

"Cymbeline" exhibits thematic and linguistic similarities with "Philaster," a play by Beaumont and Fletcher, indicating a contemporaneous period of composition. The play's design elements suggest it was written for the Blackfriars Theatre, which Shakespeare's company began using in 1608. References to Thomas Heywood's "The Golden Age" and the political context of Prince Henry's investiture in 1610 provide additional evidence for dating "Cymbeline" to around 1610. Both Roger Warren's Oxford Shakespeare edition and Martin Butler's New Cambridge Shakespeare edition support this timeframe for the play's creation.

The Composition and Sources of "The Tempest"

"The Tempest" is generally dated to between September 1610 and October 1611, with a recorded performance at Whitehall Palace on November 1, 1611. The narrative draws inspiration from the 1609 shipwreck of the Sea Venture and subsequent accounts, particularly William Strachey's "A True Reportory." Stylistic analyses align "The Tempest" with Shakespeare's later works, suggesting it was written after "Coriolanus," "The Winter's Tale," and "Cymbeline."

The Lost Play "Cardenio" and Its Attribution to Shakespeare

"Cardenio" is a lost play that has been attributed to Shakespeare and John Fletcher in a 1653 publication by Humphrey Moseley and in Lewis Theobald's 1727 adaptation titled "Double Falsehood." The play's association with the King's Men is confirmed by a 1613 court payment for a performance of "Cardenno." The dating of "Cardenio" is informed by its source material, Cervantes's "Don Quixote," which was first translated into English in 1612. The authenticity of Theobald's claim to have used Shakespearean manuscripts is debated among scholars, with some, like Gary Taylor, supporting the attribution to Shakespeare and Fletcher, while others, such as E. K. Chambers, remain skeptical.

Historical Context and Dating of "Henry VIII"

"Henry VIII" is believed to be a collaborative work between Shakespeare and Fletcher, likely composed between 1612 and 1613. The play's content reflects the historical and political milieu of the era, which, along with thematic analysis, supports its dating to this period. The play's portrayal of events and figures from English history provides insight into the political and cultural context of early 17th-century England.

Shakespeare's Plays and Their Authorship, Dating, and Historical Context

Concept Map

Summary

Outline

Shakespeare's Plays and Their Authorship, Dating, and Historical Context

Authorship and Composition of "Pericles, Prince of Tyre"

Debate over Shakespeare's sole authorship

Evidence for a collaborative effort between Shakespeare and Wilkins

Contested views on Wilkins's contribution

Dating and Performance History of "Coriolanus"

First recorded in the Stationers' Register in 1623

Believed to have been written between 1605 and 1609

Likely intended for the indoor Blackfriars Theatre

Chronological Placement of "The Winter's Tale"

Lack of direct contemporary references

Performance at the Globe Theatre in 1611

Stylistic analysis and comparison to other plays

Connections and Dating of "Cymbeline"

Similarities to "Philaster" by Beaumont and Fletcher

Likely written for the Blackfriars Theatre

References to historical events and political context

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Q&A

Here's a list of frequently asked questions on this topic

Who is believed to have collaborated with Shakespeare on "Pericles, Prince of Tyre," and what evidence supports this?

When was "Coriolanus" likely written, and what suggests it was meant for the Blackfriars Theatre?

How is the composition date of "The Winter's Tale" determined, and where does it fit in Shakespeare's chronology?

What evidence suggests a composition date for "Cymbeline" around 1610?

What sources influenced "The Tempest," and when was it likely written?

What is the basis for attributing "Cardenio" to Shakespeare and Fletcher, and when was it likely written?

When was "Henry VIII" likely composed, and what collaboration is suggested?

Similar Contents

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The Authorship and Composition of "Pericles, Prince of Tyre"

The Dating and Performance History of "Coriolanus"

Chronological Placement of "The Winter's Tale"

Connections and Dating of "Cymbeline"

The Composition and Sources of "The Tempest"

The Lost Play "Cardenio" and Its Attribution to Shakespeare

Historical Context and Dating of "Henry VIII"