Shakespeare's works can be described as a source of inquiries and doubts for centuries. Many scholars, even dating back to the seventeenth century, questioned the authorship of the plays that went on to affect the world of literature: the plays of William Shakespeare. Some of those who study literature have a difficult time believing that Shakespeare wrote the plays that made him famous. There are many different theories about who could have written the plays instead of Shakespeare, including alleged authorships by Christopher Marlowe and Queen Elizabeth, but the two more developed theories come with a steady and loyal following. The common nominees are Sir Francis Bacon (the Baconian theory) and Edward de Vere, earl of Oxford (the Oxfordian theory). Though both schools are backed by hard-hitting evidence, that of Edward de Vere has the strongest support.
             The basis for the Anti-Stratfordian cause is centered on education-or a lack thereof-and class. The belief is that a man born into the type of socio-economic class that William Shakespeare was would have been incapable of writing about the things he does. Shakespeare grew up as a glover's son in a small town with little opportunity for the schooling and experience that would have been required for such authorship. The education required to write plays of the caliber of those attributed to Shakespeare would include that of attending a high-caliber university and being well-versed in literature and the arts, as well as history. Shakespeare, because of his birth, wasn't provided with said schooling. Some skeptics allow the idea that Shakespeare had a hand in the London theatres, but they argue that he was "a front man for an aristocratic writer who could not permit his name to be linked to the popular theatre" (McDonald, 24). Without a university education, there is little room for him to be well versed enough in virtually anything in order to w...