Frontline Season 21 Episode 8 Much Ado About Something

Frontline season 21 episode 8, titled "Much Ado About Something," explores the controversial authorship of William Shakespeare's works. The episode delves into the debate over whether Shakespeare authored the plays and poems he is credited with or if they were actually written by someone else.

The episode takes viewers on a journey through history, examining the evidence and opinions of experts on both sides of the authorship debate. The program features interviews with scholars, historians, and Shakespeare enthusiasts, including author James Shapiro, who argues that William Shakespeare is the true author of the plays, and Mark Twain, who famously said that Shakespeare was actually a group of people writing under one name.

Through interviews, archival footage, and dramatic recreation of key moments in Shakespeare's life, Frontline examines the different theories surrounding the authorship question. Some experts believe that Shakespeare was a literary genius who wrote the plays himself, while others argue that he was simply a front for a group of writers who preferred to remain anonymous.

The episode also explores some of the evidence that has been used to support both sides of the debate. For example, those who believe that Shakespeare was the sole author point to the fact that he was born into a family of literate and educated people, and that he had access to a wide range of sources and knowledge that would have allowed him to create the works himself.

On the other hand, those who argue that Shakespeare was not the true author of the plays point to anomalies in his life that suggest that he was not the cultured, learned man that he is often depicted as. They point to records that show he signed his name with a shaky or inconsistent hand, and to his lack of education and social status.

Through interviews with experts and dramatic recreations, Frontline takes viewers on a fascinating journey into the world of William Shakespeare and the ongoing debate about the authorship of his works. The episode poses questions about the nature of genius and the ways in which we attribute authorship and ownership to works of art and literature. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in literature, history, and the mysteries of the creative process.