Christopher Marlowe

Definition

Christopher Marlowe was an influential English playwright and poet of the late 16th century, best known for his blank verse and overreaching protagonists. His innovative works and dramatic style laid the groundwork for later playwrights, especially William Shakespeare, during a time of rapid development in professional theatre and performance practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marlowe is credited with introducing complex characters and ambitious themes in plays such as 'Doctor Faustus' and 'Tamburlaine'.
2. His life was marked by mystery and intrigue, with theories about his involvement in espionage and his untimely death at age 29.
3. Marlowe's influence extended beyond his lifetime, as many of his themes of ambition and tragedy resonated in Shakespeare's later works.
4. He was a key figure among the University Wits, a collective that raised the standards of English drama through their education and experiences.
5. Marlowe's bold use of blank verse helped shape the evolution of dramatic writing, influencing subsequent playwrights to adopt this stylistic approach.

Review Questions

• How did Christopher Marlowe's use of blank verse influence the structure of English drama?
  • Christopher Marlowe's use of blank verse revolutionized English drama by allowing for greater emotional depth and complexity in character dialogue. His innovative approach made it possible for characters to express themselves more fluidly than the previous reliance on rhyme. This shift laid the groundwork for future playwrights, particularly William Shakespeare, who adopted and expanded upon Marlowe's techniques in their own works.
• In what ways did Christopher Marlowe's plays reflect the themes of ambition and tragedy that would later appear in Shakespeare's works?
  • Marlowe's plays often featured protagonists driven by ambition, such as Faustus in 'Doctor Faustus' who seeks knowledge and power at great personal cost. This exploration of overreaching ambition parallels Shakespeare’s tragic characters like Macbeth and Hamlet, who also face dire consequences for their aspirations. The thematic connections between their works illustrate how Marlowe set a precedent for examining the darker aspects of human nature.
• Evaluate the impact of Christopher Marlowe on the emergence of professional theatre during Tudor England.
  • Christopher Marlowe played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of professional theatre during Tudor England by elevating playwriting through his innovative use of language and complex characterizations. His contributions alongside other University Wits helped establish a more sophisticated approach to drama that appealed to both audiences and patrons. As Marlowe's plays gained popularity, they paved the way for the thriving theatrical culture that flourished with Shakespeare, ultimately transforming English drama into a respected art form.

Related terms

Blank Verse: Unrhymed iambic pentameter that became a prominent form in English dramatic poetry, used extensively by Marlowe and Shakespeare.

University Wits: A group of late 16th-century English playwrights and poets, including Marlowe, who were educated at universities and contributed significantly to the evolution of English drama.

Theatrical Renaissance: The period of renewed interest in classical literature and the arts in England, leading to the emergence of professional theatre during the late 16th century.