Home / Arts and Entertainment / Computer Reveals Marlowe Co-Authored Shakespeare Play
Computer Reveals Marlowe Co-Authored Shakespeare Play
18 Oct
Summary
- Computer analysis suggests Shakespeare and Marlowe co-wrote "Edward III."
- The play "Edward III" was published anonymously in 1596.
- This finding reshapes understanding of the relationship between the two playwrights.
Recent computerised textual analysis has strongly indicated that William Shakespeare was the principal author of the play "Edward III," originally published anonymously in 1596. The Stratford-born playwright's contribution is now considered confirmed beyond reasonable doubt by the research.
Furthermore, the study has unexpectedly identified Christopher Marlowe as a co-author, presenting the first serious claim of their collaboration. This finding has profound implications for understanding the relationship between these two prominent Elizabethan dramatists, impacting both their accepted works.
Researchers employed various computerised linguistic analyses, comparing "Edward III" to plays with known authors. The analysis identified segments written by Shakespeare and others by Marlowe, whose works include "Doctor Faustus." This suggests a more sustained writing relationship between the playwrights in their mid-to-late twenties.
The study highlights that Marlowe and Shakespeare were not merely rivals but likely had a more complicated connection. Linguistic features and the distribution of specific "marker" words were used to distinguish their writing styles within the play, providing compelling evidence of their shared authorship.
