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| Image: Sony Pictures |
Yesterday I went to see the thought-provoking film Anonymous, which confronts the controversial identity of William Shakespeare. In a thrilling intrigue of historical politics, the film explores the Oxfordian theory of Shakespeare's authorship. According to Oxfordians (whose numbers include highly credible literati), the true author of the works published under the name of Shakespeare was Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford.
The theory is controversial, and it is worth noting that the film itself portrays some historical inconsistencies. In fact, it appears that some Oxfordians consider the film a discredit to their theory. Whatever the historical truth, Anonymous makes for good viewing, and has interesting implications for authorship and identity in the 21st Century.
Meanwhile, Sony Pictures promoted the film with a promising social media campaign which included a "Shakespeare-ience Quiz" and a challenge to create a sonnet or a coat of arms for Shakespeare on the official Facebook Page. Unfortunately the page, though "liked" by many, did not show much wall interaction. The Sonnet challenge simply displays a preview of the movie, and I couldn't find any evidence of answers to the call. Yet the challenge was irresistible, and I posted mine to the Wall. It seems to have been moderated, but I still think it is a challenge worth meeting. My humble offering, built on a slew of Shakespearian expressions and arguing that the true authorship is not as important as the contribution of the works, is below. The film also raises some interesting questions on the nature of authorship, identity, plagiarism and anonymity in our times.
Sonnet
On the Author of the Works by the Man they Call Shakespeare
We dare to ask, again, what's in a name?
His words would either way be just as sweet
If they were not by him who snatched the fame
But master of the wild-goose chase we've yet to meet.
Perhaps the sceptics do protest too much
When they insist the wielder of this quill
Could know the classics, royal ways and such,
Transcending humble roots with iron will.
The fact remains the author of these Works
For sure was anything but fortune's fool
What he left us, regardless of his quirks,
Has stood the test of time, the stage to rule.
It matters not if ever you are king.
To reign beyond your years, the play's the thing.
