Question

What is the first supporting claim or reason Schama gives to support the central claim about the authenticity of Shakespeare's authorship?

A) Schama provides evidence from historical records.
B) Schama believes that Shakespeare's works are too complex for one person.
C) Schama argues that Shakespeare was likely a group of writers.
D) Schama's opinion on Shakespeare's authorship is not mentioned in the text.

Answer 1

Schama supports the authenticity of Shakespeare's authorship primarily through historical records, arguing against the claims that his works were too complex for one person or written by a group.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first supporting claim that Schama gives to support the central claim about the authenticity of Shakespeare's authorship is evidence from historical records.

Schama refers to historical facts, noting that Shakespeare is first mentioned in 1592 as an established London actor and playwright.

The acknowledgment of Shakespeare's role in the London theater for over two decades, and the publication of plays and poems under his name, reinforce the idea that he was indeed the author of his works. Schama uses this evidence to counter the argument that Shakespeare's works were too complex for one person or that they were written by a group of writers.

The authenticity and complexity of Shakespeare's characters and language, and the way his works were perceived and interacted with, further support the claim of his sole authorship.