What mystery is currently associated with Shakespeare?
The mystery associated with Shakespeare is whether or not the man from Stratford-upon-Avon was the man that actually wrote the plays and poems that are accredited to him. Skeptics currently believe that the real author of Shakespeare is Edward de Vere, the Seventeenth Earl of Oxford.
What is the basis for the suspicion?
There are many reasons for the suspicion that the Stratford man did not write the plays and poems accredited to him. Those who believe that Edward de Vere is the real author distinguish a difference between "Shakspere" and "Shakespeare," arguing that "Shakspere" was the man from Stratford-upon-Avon and that "Shakespeare" was the pseudonym of Edward de Vere. Many believe that Shakspere was not educated enough to write that for which he is given credit, and they believe his sloppy signature reflects his poor writing ability. Many scholars believe that Edward de Vere would have written under a pseudonym because he was of royalty, and he would disgrace his family if he were known as an author of poetry. In addition, whoever wrote the sonnets attributed to Shakespeare indicated much knowledge regarding court life—something that only an insider would know. The man from Stratford-upon-Avon would know nothing about court life because he grew up in a poor family.
How did Shakespeare's mystery indicate that he was a "man of words"?
There would be no mystery as to whether the man from Stratford-upon-Avon was skilled enough to write the works of Shakespeare unless the author of the plays and poems had demonstrated that he was a "man of words"; thus, Shakespeare, whoever he is, was a "man of words."