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Did Shakespeare write his plays? - Natalya St. Clair and Aaron Williams

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TEDEd Animation

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Some people question whether Shakespeare really wrote the works that bear his name – or whether he even existed at all. Could it be true that the greatest writer in the English language was as fictional as his plays? Natalya St. Clair and Aaron Williams show how a linguistic tool called stylometry might shed light on the answer.

Open up a document of something you have recently written, such as an email or research paper. What are some of the most common words you have used? What other characteristics make your voice unique? Compare and contrast the voice of a formal paper you have written and an informal document you have written. Do you see any distinct differences?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Natalya St. Clair, Aaron Williams
  • Producer Niamh Herrity
  • Director Aoife Doyle
  • Composer Paul Lynch
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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