"And it is a very beautiful idea, and possibly true, that a common man from Stratford with a common education was able to write these plays"

Mark Rylance's quote touches on the longstanding dispute about the authorship of William Shakespeare's works. Rylance, a popular actor and previous creative director of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, highlights the double nature of the Shakespeare authorship question: it is both a celebration of possibility and a testament to suspicion.

First of all, the expression "an extremely gorgeous concept" recommends adoration for the notion that a man of simple origins could rise to create some of the most revered works in English literature. Shakespeare, generally thought to have been born and informed in Stratford-upon-Avon, embodies the archetype of the self-made genius. His expected capability to transcend the limitations of his background to produce extensive and sophisticated works speaks to themes of aspiration and skill that defy social stratification.

Furthermore, the phrase "potentially real" hints at the sticking around doubts and theories regarding Shakespeare's authorship. Critics and scholars have long questioned whether someone with Shakespeare's supposed education could have obtained the substantial understanding of law, foreign languages, and classical literature obvious in the plays. This suspicion has fueled various alternative theories, proposing other figures such as Christopher Marlowe, Francis Bacon, or Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, as the genuine authors. Rylance's phrasing records the sense of mystery and intrigue that surrounds the authorship question, recommending it is as much about the allure of the unknown as it is about academic necessity.

Eventually, Rylance's declaration shows a nuanced appreciation for both the standard story and the counterarguments. It honors the inspiring story of Shakespeare as the ultimate commoner attaining greatness while acknowledging the complexities and gaps in the historical record that invite speculation. This double point of view enriches our engagement with Shakespeare's tradition, whether we see it as a triumphant human story or an engaging historic puzzle.