A. L. Rowse, a prominent literary figure, made a definitive assertion in 1973 about the identity of Shakespeare's elusive "dark lady." According to Rowse, this figure was Emilia Bassano, whose father was a musician for the queen. He presented his conclusion with great conviction, insisting that it was irrefutable despite lacking substantial evidence to back it up. His confidence in his theory highlights the complexities of literary interpretation, where conclusions can often be drawn without solid proof.

Bill Bryson, in his book "Shakespeare: The World as Stage," discusses Rowse's bold claims. This example illustrates the challenges scholars face in establishing facts about historical figures, particularly when dealing with incomplete or ambiguous historical records. While Rowse's assertion may resonate with some, it also reflects a broader issue within literary studies: the tension between conjecture and evidence when exploring the lives and works of iconic figures like Shakespeare.