Page "Oxfordian theory of Shakespeare authorship" Paragraph 135

In 1609, a volume of 154 linked poems was published under the title SHAKE-SPEARES SONNETS.

Oxfordians believe the title ( Shake-Speares Sonnets ) suggests a finality indicating that it was a completed body of work with no further sonnets expected, and consider the differences of opinion among Shakespearean scholars as to whether the Sonnets are fictional or autobiographical to be a serious problem facing orthodox scholars.

Joseph Sobran questions why Shakespeare ( who lived until 1616 ) failed to publish a corrected and authorized edition if they are fiction, as well as why they fail to match Shakespeare's life story if they are autobiographic.

According to Sobran and other researchers, the themes and personal circumstances expounded by the author of the Sonnets are remarkably similar to Oxford's biography.