TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE? 

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“For so work the honey bees, creatures that by a rule in nature teach the act of order to a peopled kingdom.” ‘

Henry V’ (1599) act 1, sc. 2, l. 187

It is interesting that an apparent fascination for bees is being suggested as a disproof of a real world Shakespearian narrative.

With tantilizingly little known about the great writer, it has often been suggested that William Shakespeare’s plays may not have been his own creations, but instead ghost-written by a number of possible suspects. One contemporary who is most often in the frame is Christopher Marlow. However, scholars point out that Shakespeare’s plays are replete with numerous informed references to the lives, loves and industry of the honeybee while Marlow’s, known work at least, contains absolutely none. As to whether this appears conclusive is up to you.