Did Shakespeare write 37 or 39 plays?
While the exact number can be debated by scholars, the widely accepted and most common figure for the number of plays attributed to William Shakespeare is 37. This collection forms the core of his dramatic works, encompassing his comedies, tragedies, and histories. These 37 plays are the ones consistently performed, studied, and published in complete works editions.
The confusion regarding a higher number, such as 39, often arises from several factors. Some scholars include plays where Shakespeare is believed to have been a collaborator rather than the sole author, such as “The Two Noble Kinsmen” or “Edward III.” Additionally, lost plays like “Cardenio” or plays of disputed authorship, where Shakespeare’s involvement is less certain, can contribute to a higher, less definitive count. However, for the purpose of identifying the established canon of plays solely attributed to him, 37 remains the standard.
What were Shakespeare’s 38 plays?
While commonly cited as having written 38 plays, the exact number of plays attributed to William Shakespeare can be a point of scholarly discussion. The traditional count includes works like Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth, which are universally accepted as his solo creations. However, some plays, such as Edward III and Sir Thomas More, are considered to be collaborations or to have uncertain authorship, leading to variations in the total number depending on the criteria used.
The 38-play figure typically encompasses a wide range of genres, including tragedies, comedies, and histories.
* Tragedies: Othello, King Lear, Julius Caesar
* Comedies: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, As You Like It
* Histories: Richard III, Henry V, Julius Caesar (also categorized as a tragedy)
This collection represents the core of the Shakespearean canon, widely studied and performed globally.
How many plays did Shakespeare write in total?
William Shakespeare is credited with writing 37 plays that are widely accepted as part of his canon. These plays are generally categorized into three main genres: comedies, histories, and tragedies. While the exact number can sometimes be debated due to collaborative works or lost plays, 37 is the most commonly cited and accepted figure for his individual dramatic works.
Categorization of Shakespeare’s Plays
Shakespeare’s 37 plays are typically divided as follows:
- Comedies: 14 plays
- Histories: 10 plays
- Tragedies: 13 plays
This classification helps in understanding the breadth and variety of his dramatic output, ranging from the lightheartedness of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to the profound sorrow of “King Lear” and the historical narratives of “Richard III.” The consistency in the number of attributed plays underscores the significant body of work he produced during his lifetime.
Who wrote 37 plays?
The esteemed playwright responsible for a remarkable 37 plays is none other than William Shakespeare. His prolific output includes some of the most enduring and influential works in the history of English literature. These plays encompass a wide range of genres, from the profound tragedies that explore the depths of human suffering to the witty comedies that delight audiences with their clever wordplay and intricate plots.
Shakespeare’s authorship of these 37 plays is a cornerstone of his literary legacy. Each work showcases his extraordinary talent for character development, his masterful command of language, and his profound understanding of the human condition. The sheer volume and consistent quality of these plays solidify his position as one of the greatest dramatists of all time, with his works continuing to be performed and studied globally centuries after their creation.