Meaning: Mark Rylance, a renowned actor, made this statement suggesting that Francis Bacon, the influential philosopher, statesman, and scientist of the Elizabethan era, played a significant role in supporting William Shakespeare, known as the Stratford man, and intentionally made it challenging to prove that Shakespeare's works were actually authored by Bacon. This quote is thought-provoking and has sparked debates and discussions among scholars, historians, and literary enthusiasts.

Rylance's statement alludes to the authorship question that has long surrounded Shakespeare's works. The traditional attribution of Shakespeare's plays, sonnets, and poems to William Shakespeare, the Stratford-upon-Avon-born actor and businessman, has been challenged by various alternative theories. One of the most prominent theories proposes that the true author of the Shakespearean canon was, in fact, Francis Bacon. This theory has gained traction over the years, with proponents pointing to various pieces of circumstantial evidence and similarities between Bacon's writings and Shakespeare's works.

In the quote, Rylance suggests that Bacon may have been invested in obscuring his authorship of Shakespeare's works by supporting the narrative that they were written by the man from Stratford. Rylance's assertion implies that Bacon may have deliberately made it difficult for researchers to definitively prove his authorship of the works attributed to Shakespeare. This raises intriguing questions about the motivations and actions of Bacon in relation to the Shakespeare authorship debate.

It is important to note that the debate over Shakespeare's authorship is complex and multifaceted, with scholars and researchers offering diverse perspectives and evidence to support their respective theories. The traditional attribution of the works to William Shakespeare is supported by historical records, contemporary references, and the absence of conclusive evidence linking Bacon to the plays and poems. Conversely, proponents of the Baconian theory argue that Bacon's intellectual prowess, knowledge of various subjects, and possible motivations provide a compelling case for his authorship of the works.

Mark Rylance's statement adds another layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding Shakespeare's authorship. By suggesting that Bacon may have actively worked to obscure his authorship, Rylance invites further exploration of the relationship between Bacon and the Shakespearean works. This raises questions about the potential motives, methods, and implications of such actions, prompting scholars and enthusiasts to delve deeper into the historical and literary context of the Elizabethan era.

In conclusion, Mark Rylance's thought-provoking statement regarding Francis Bacon's involvement in supporting the attribution of Shakespeare's works to the Stratford man adds an intriguing dimension to the ongoing Shakespeare authorship debate. The quote encourages critical examination of Bacon's potential role in the historical narrative surrounding the authorship of the Shakespearean canon. As the discourse continues, researchers, historians, and literary enthusiasts will engage in further exploration and analysis of the complex and captivating question of who truly penned the timeless works attributed to William Shakespeare.