Christopher Marlowe

Definition

Christopher Marlowe was an English playwright and poet of the late 16th century, known for his significant contributions to Renaissance literature and theater. His works, characterized by their bold themes, complex characters, and innovative use of blank verse, paved the way for later playwrights like William Shakespeare. Marlowe's exploration of human experience and conflict in plays such as 'Doctor Faustus' and 'Tamburlaine' reflects the cultural and intellectual currents of the Renaissance period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Christopher Marlowe was born in 1564, the same year as William Shakespeare, and his works were crucial in developing English drama.
2. Marlowe's most famous play, 'Doctor Faustus,' tells the story of a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power, highlighting themes of ambition and consequence.
3. He introduced complex characters into his plays, often featuring ambitious protagonists who grapple with moral dilemmas and existential questions.
4. Marlowe's innovative use of blank verse allowed for greater expression in dialogue, which set a new standard for playwrights of his time.
5. His mysterious death at age 29 remains a topic of speculation, with theories ranging from a bar fight to assassination due to his espionage activities.

Review Questions

• How did Christopher Marlowe's use of blank verse influence the development of English drama?
  • Christopher Marlowe's use of blank verse marked a departure from the conventional rhymed verse that dominated earlier plays. By employing unrhymed iambic pentameter, he created a more natural rhythm that mirrored everyday speech while allowing for emotional depth. This innovation not only enhanced the expressiveness of his characters but also set a precedent that later playwrights like Shakespeare would adopt, fundamentally transforming English drama.
• Discuss the themes present in Marlowe's play 'Doctor Faustus' and how they reflect Renaissance values.
  • In 'Doctor Faustus,' themes such as ambition, knowledge, and the struggle between good and evil are central. Faustus embodies the Renaissance ideal of seeking knowledge beyond traditional boundaries, but his desire for power leads to tragic consequences. This exploration reflects the tension between humanism—valuing individual potential—and the moral constraints imposed by society and religion during the Renaissance period. Marlowe's work challenges audiences to consider the implications of unchecked ambition.
• Evaluate Christopher Marlowe's impact on Renaissance literature and theater in terms of character complexity and thematic depth.
  • Christopher Marlowe significantly impacted Renaissance literature by introducing greater character complexity and thematic depth in his plays. His protagonists are often multifaceted individuals facing profound moral dilemmas, reflecting both personal ambition and societal conflicts. This focus on psychological depth was innovative for its time and influenced future playwrights to create richer, more relatable characters. By addressing universal themes such as power, identity, and mortality through intricate narratives, Marlowe helped shape the trajectory of English drama and literature.

Related terms

Blank Verse: A type of poetry written in unrhymed iambic pentameter, commonly used by Marlowe and Shakespeare, allowing for a natural flow of speech.

Tragedy: A genre of drama that deals with serious themes and often ends in disaster for the main characters, exemplified in Marlowe's works like 'Doctor Faustus.'

Renaissance Humanism: An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the study of classical texts and focused on human potential and achievements, influencing Marlowe's writing.