Shakespeare’s Dramatic Legacy: Counting the Works and Debunking the Plagiarism Myth

William Shakespeare is one of the most celebrated dramatists in the English language, known for his profound impact on literature and theater. Over the centuries, scholars have debated the number of dramas attributed to him and the validity of any plagiarism he might have engaged in. In this essay, we delve into the count of Shakespeare's dramas, the authenticity of his works, and the issue of plagiarism.

Counting Shakespeare’s Dramatic Works

Shakespeare's dramatic output comprises a multitude of plays, poems, and minor verses that have been debated and analyzed by scholars over the years. By his own time, he had already published eighteen plays in single editions. These were followed by the First Folio, published in 1623, which featured 36 plays. However, the exact number and authorship of these plays remain a topic of discussion.

The Canonical 36 Plays

The First Folio, believed to be the first collection of Shakespeare's entire works, contained 36 plays. Despite the publication, the table of contents listed 35 plays, with Troilus and Cressida as the outlier. It is likely that the publishers were unable to secure the rights to Troilus and Cressida until they were ready to print the collection. Some of the 36 plays were collaborations or included additions by other authors. For instance, Macbeth's authorship is debated, and Henry VI Part One appears to have been a collaborative effort.

Post-First Folio Plays

Forty years after the First Folio, seven additional plays were inserted into a reissue of the Third Folio. However, only one of these, Pericles Prince of Tyre, has been accepted as authentic. The remainder, which includes collaborations with George Wilkins, has not garnered the same scholarly acceptance. In the 20th century, The Two Noble Kinsmen, a collaboration with John Fletcher, was added to the accepted canon.

Other Attributions and Lost Works

Several other plays have been attributed to Shakespeare at various times, though not all have been universally accepted. Among the most significant are Sir Thomas More, where a single scene is now considered genuine, and parts of Edward III and Arden of Faversham, which have been included in some scholarly editions.

Lost Works

There are also several lost plays attributed to Shakespeare. One such work is Love's Labours Won, which is probably a sequel to Love's Labours Lost. Another, Cardenio, a probable collaboration with Fletcher, was later adapted into Lewis Theobald's Double Falsehood or the Distressed Lovers. There is also a lost version of Ben Jonson's play Sejanus, which is attributed to a collaboration between Jonson and Shakespeare, a rare case where Jonson reportedly destroyed his part to avoid embarrassment.

Authenticating Shakespeare's Poems and Sonnets

While we primarily focus on his plays, Shakespeare also wrote several poems and sonnets. Two long narrative poems, Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece, published with his patron's approval, are widely considered authentic. Additionally, he published 154 sonnets, with A Lover's Complaint, although disputed by some critics, remaining a part of his canon.

Minor Verses and Disputed Works

A miscellany of minor poems has also been attributed to Shakespeare, with varying levels of authority. While some poems, such as A Funeral Elegy, have been discredited by scholars, others, like a song beginning with "Shall I Die," have been universally rejected. The rest are considered too insignificant to warrant attention.

Challenging the Plagiarism Myth

The concept of plagiarism has been a point of contention, particularly regarding Shakespeare's works. Scholars have largely rejected the notion that Shakespeare engaged in wholesale plagiarism. Instead, he often adapted and riffed on historical texts, myths, and other sources, a practice that many have argued is quite common in literature.

Isolated Examples of Influence

Despite this, there are instances where Shakespeare's works closely follow the texts on which they are based. One famous example is the Archbishop's argument about the Salic Law in Henry V, which paraphrases Raphael Holinshed’s Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Similarly, Enobarbus's description of Cleopatra in Antony and Cleopatra uses Plutarch's Lives of the Famous Greeks and Romans as a source, translated from French to English.

A Balanced Perspective

It is important to note that Shakespeare's creative process involved a complex interplay of influence and originality. While he drew from existing sources, he adapted them skillfully, often enhancing and elevating the material. This blend of inspiration and innovation is a hallmark of his work and cannot be solely attributed to plagiarism.

Conclusion

Shakespeare's legacy is multifaceted, encompassing not only a vast body of work but also a complex journey through scholarly scrutiny. Whether you count 35, 36, or even more plays, his impact remains undiminished. While debates about authorship and plagiarism continue, his genius in crafting stories remains unequivocal. As we continue to study and enjoy Shakespeare's works, it's essential to understand and appreciate the spectrum of his contributions to the English language and theater.