Why do some people question whether William Shakespeare wrote his plays?

Skepticism regarding William Shakespeare’s authorship, often referred to as the "anti-Stratfordian" theory, emerged primarily in the 19th century. While Shakespeare was recognized as the author by his contemporaries, including Ben Jonson, some critics argue that the historical record is insufficient to support his status as the playwright.12

The primary arguments for this skepticism include:

• Background and Education: Critics contend that Shakespeare’s upbringing in Stratford-upon-Avon and his lack of a university education would have made it impossible for him to possess the depth of knowledge regarding courtly life, history, and foreign languages displayed in his works.12
• Historical Gaps: Skeptics point to the "lost years" (1585–1592), the absence of surviving manuscripts in his hand, and a perceived lack of contemporary documentation regarding his success as a writer.2
• Alternative Candidates: Various figures have been proposed as the "true" author, including Sir Francis Bacon, Edward de Vere, Christopher Marlowe, and others.2

Mainstream scholarship rejects these theories, noting that Shakespeare’s social background was consistent with other professional writers of the era and that the evidence—including the First Folio—firmly establishes him as the author.12