Christopher Marlowe

Definition

Christopher Marlowe was an English playwright and poet active during the late 16th century, known for his blank verse and innovative dramatic techniques. He significantly influenced the development of Elizabethan drama and is often seen as a precursor to William Shakespeare, blending elements from Roman epics into his own works, which helped shape the narrative style of later literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marlowe's work laid the groundwork for the use of blank verse in English theater, allowing for more expressive dialogue compared to previous forms.
2. His play 'Doctor Faustus' reflects themes from Roman epics, particularly in its exploration of fate and individual ambition.
3. Marlowe was known for creating larger-than-life characters, which paved the way for the complexity seen in Shakespearean drama.
4. His dramatic style often included elements of tragedy and comedy intertwined, a technique borrowed from ancient Roman theatrical traditions.
5. Marlowe's life was marked by intrigue and controversy, including his mysterious death at a young age, which adds to his legendary status in literary history.

Review Questions

• How did Christopher Marlowe's use of blank verse influence later playwrights?
  • Christopher Marlowe's use of blank verse allowed for greater flexibility and emotional depth in dialogue, making it more expressive than previous forms of poetry used in theater. This innovation set a new standard for future playwrights, including Shakespeare, who adopted and expanded upon Marlowe's techniques. The ability to convey complex human emotions through this poetic form had a lasting impact on English drama and shaped the way stories were told on stage.
• In what ways does 'Doctor Faustus' reflect themes found in Roman epics, and how does this connection enhance its significance in literature?
  • 'Doctor Faustus' reflects themes such as ambition and the quest for knowledge that are prominent in Roman epics like 'The Aeneid.' Marlowe's protagonist grapples with profound moral dilemmas similar to those faced by epic heroes. This connection not only enhances the play's depth but also situates it within a broader literary tradition that examines the consequences of human desires and ambitions.
• Evaluate the impact of Christopher Marlowe on the evolution of English drama and its narrative style as influenced by Roman epics.
  • Christopher Marlowe played a crucial role in transforming English drama by integrating complex characters and intricate plots reminiscent of Roman epics. His pioneering use of blank verse introduced a level of sophistication that allowed for deeper emotional expression. By blending classical themes with innovative storytelling techniques, Marlowe not only influenced his contemporaries but also set the stage for future playwrights to explore narrative structures that would evolve dramatically in English literature. This merging of styles helped shape the expectations for dramatic storytelling in subsequent eras.

Related terms

Blank Verse: A type of poetry that is written in unrhymed iambic pentameter, which Marlowe popularized in English drama.

Doctor Faustus: One of Marlowe's most famous plays that explores themes of ambition, desire, and the human condition, often compared to classical narratives.

Elizabethan Drama: The body of English theatrical plays written and performed during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, characterized by rich language and complex characters.