William Shakespeare, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s greatest dramatist, left behind a literary legacy that continues to captivate audiences and scholars centuries after his death. His plays, known for their profound exploration of human nature, poetic language, and dramatic storytelling, form the cornerstone of English literature. One of the most frequently asked questions about this prolific playwright is: How Many Plays Did Shakespeare Write?
Scholarly consensus attributes at least 38 plays to William Shakespeare. These works, penned between approximately 1590 and 1613, showcase an incredible range of styles and themes, solidifying Shakespeare’s reputation as a master of both comedy and tragedy. From the lighthearted merriment of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to the dark and brooding atmosphere of “Macbeth,” Shakespeare’s dramatic output is remarkably diverse.
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Shakespeare’s plays are traditionally categorized into three main genres: comedies, histories, and tragedies. Comedies, like “Twelfth Night” and “As You Like It,” are characterized by their humorous plots, witty dialogue, and often, happy resolutions involving marriage. Tragedies, such as “Hamlet,” “Othello,” and “King Lear,” delve into the depths of human suffering, exploring themes of revenge, ambition, and loss, often culminating in the downfall of the protagonist. History plays, including “Richard III” and the “Henry IV” cycle, dramatize events from English history, particularly the reigns of various kings, blending historical accounts with dramatic license. However, some of Shakespeare’s later works, sometimes referred to as romances or tragicomedies, such as “The Tempest” and “The Winter’s Tale,” defy easy categorization, blending elements of tragedy and comedy and exploring themes of redemption and reconciliation.
Delving into the Chronology of Shakespeare’s Plays
Establishing the precise chronological order of Shakespeare’s plays remains a complex task for scholars. While definitive proof is elusive, researchers have pieced together timelines based on a variety of evidence. This evidence includes publication dates from early printed editions (like Quartos and the First Folio), records of known performances, and mentions in contemporary diaries and historical documents. Therefore, the dates assigned to Shakespeare’s plays are generally considered approximate date ranges representing their first performance or composition.
Shakespeare’s earliest known play is generally believed to be “Henry VI, Part I,” likely written between 1589 and 1590. This history play, focusing on English politics and the prelude to the Wars of the Roses, may have been a collaborative effort between Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, another prominent Elizabethan playwright known for “Doctor Faustus.” At the other end of his career, “The Two Noble Kinsmen,” a tragicomedy co-authored with John Fletcher, is considered to be Shakespeare’s last play, dating back to 1612 or 1613, just before his death in 1616.
Below is a list of Shakespeare’s plays in approximate chronological order of their first performance, offering a glimpse into the evolution of his dramatic artistry:
- “Henry VI Part I” (1589–1590)
- “Henry VI Part II” (1590–1591)
- “Henry VI Part III” (1590–1591)
- “Richard III” (1592–1593)
- “The Comedy of Errors” (1592–1593)
- “Titus Andronicus” (1593–1594)
- “The Taming of the Shrew” (1593–1594)
- “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” (1594–1595)
- “Love’s Labour’s Lost” (1594–1595)
- “Romeo and Juliet” (1594–1595)
- “Richard II” (1595–1596)
- “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (1595–1596)
- “King John” (1596–1597)
- “The Merchant of Venice” (1596–1597)
- “Henry IV Part I” (1597–1598)
- “Henry IV Part II” (1597–1598)
- “Much Ado About Nothing” (1598–1599)
- “Henry V” (1598–1599)
- “Julius Caesar” (1599–1600)
- “As You Like It” (1599–1600)
- “Twelfth Night” (1599–1600)
- “Hamlet” (1600–1601)
- “The Merry Wives of Windsor” (1600–1601)
- “Troilus and Cressida” (1601–1602)
- “All’s Well That Ends Well” (1602–1603)
- “Measure for Measure” (1604–1605)
- “Othello” (1604–1605)
- “King Lear” (1605–1606)
- “Macbeth” (1605–1606)
- “Antony and Cleopatra” (1606–1607)
- “Coriolanus” (1607–1608)
- “Timon of Athens” (1607–1608)
- “Pericles” (1608–1609)
- “Cymbeline” (1609–1610)
- “The Winter’s Tale” (1610–1611)
- “The Tempest” (1611–1612)
- “Henry VIII” (1612–1613)
- “The Two Noble Kinsmen” (1612–1613)
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The Ongoing Debate: Authorship and Collaboration
While the number of plays generally attributed to Shakespeare is around 38, the question of authorship has been a subject of debate, particularly in the 19th century with the rise of the “anti-Stratfordian theory.” This theory questioned whether William Shakespeare from Stratford-upon-Avon was truly the sole author of all the works bearing his name. Proponents suggested figures like Francis Bacon or Christopher Marlowe, or even groups of writers, as potential true authors. However, the vast majority of Shakespearean scholars today dismiss these theories, firmly believing that William Shakespeare, the actor and playwright born in Stratford-upon-Avon, was indeed the primary author of his plays.
Despite the consensus on Shakespeare’s primary authorship, evidence suggests that collaboration was a common practice in Elizabethan theatre, and Shakespeare was likely no exception. The play “Henry VI, Part I” is a prime example, with modern scholarship strongly indicating the involvement of Christopher Marlowe. In fact, Oxford University Press’s future editions of the play are set to credit Marlowe as a co-author, acknowledging his contribution. “The Two Noble Kinsmen” is another confirmed collaboration, co-written with John Fletcher. Scholars have also proposed potential collaborations with other playwrights of the era, including George Peele, George Wilkins, and Thomas Middleton, suggesting a vibrant and interconnected theatrical world where playwrights often worked together.
Why the Exact Number Can Be Fluid
The slight ambiguity around the precise number of Shakespeare’s plays also stems from several factors beyond authorship debates. The chronological ordering itself is not absolute, as mentioned earlier, relying on interpretations of historical records. Furthermore, many of Shakespeare’s plays exist in multiple versions, adding complexity to determining definitive texts. For instance, “Hamlet” exists in three early printed versions: the First Quarto, Second Quarto, and First Folio, each containing variations and unique lines. Modern editions of “Hamlet” and other plays often synthesize these different versions to present the most complete and scholarly text, highlighting the challenges in pinpointing a single, definitive version and therefore, sometimes affecting how plays are counted or categorized within Shakespeare’s overall body of work.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Approximately 38 Plays
In conclusion, while scholarly discussions continue around the precise dating and collaborative nature of some works, the accepted number of plays written by William Shakespeare remains at least 38. These plays, spanning comedies, tragedies, and histories, represent an unparalleled contribution to world literature. From his earliest works to his later romances, Shakespeare’s dramatic genius continues to resonate, ensuring his enduring legacy as the most important playwright in the English language, and his plays continue to be studied, performed, and enjoyed worldwide centuries after they were written.
