Christopher Marlowe

Definition

Christopher Marlowe was an influential English playwright and poet of the late 16th century, known for his innovative use of blank verse and for paving the way for future playwrights, including Shakespeare. His works often explore themes of ambition, desire, and the human condition, significantly impacting the development of English drama during the Renaissance period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Christopher Marlowe is often regarded as one of the greatest playwrights before Shakespeare and was known for his powerful language and dramatic flair.
2. Marlowe's life was marked by mystery and controversy, including rumors of espionage and his untimely death at a young age under suspicious circumstances.
3. His major works include 'Tamburlaine,' 'The Jew of Malta,' and 'Doctor Faustus,' each exploring deep philosophical questions and human desires.
4. Marlowe was known for his larger-than-life characters who often defy societal norms and grapple with moral dilemmas, showcasing the complexities of human nature.
5. His influence on Shakespeare is notable; many scholars believe that Marlowe's themes and stylistic choices helped shape Shakespeare's own writing.

Review Questions

• How did Christopher Marlowe's use of blank verse influence English drama during the Renaissance?
  • Marlowe's innovative use of blank verse allowed for a more natural flow of speech in his plays, enhancing their emotional depth and intensity. This technique differed from the traditional rhyme schemes common in earlier plays, enabling characters to express complex thoughts and feelings more freely. His mastery of blank verse set a new standard for English drama, which was later adopted and further developed by Shakespeare.
• Discuss the themes present in Marlowe's work, particularly in 'Doctor Faustus,' and their significance in understanding human nature.
  • In 'Doctor Faustus,' themes such as ambition, desire for knowledge, and the struggle between good and evil are central to understanding human nature. Faustus' tragic decision to sell his soul for power reflects deep-seated human desires for greatness and understanding beyond mortal limitations. This exploration reveals the duality of human ambition—its potential to lead to both enlightenment and destruction—an idea that resonated with audiences during the Renaissance.
• Evaluate how Marlowe’s life experiences may have shaped his writing style and thematic choices, particularly in relation to societal norms.
  • Marlowe's life was filled with intrigue, controversies surrounding his alleged involvement in espionage, and his mysterious death at a young age. These experiences likely influenced his writing style, making it bold and unconventional as he challenged societal norms through his characters. His protagonists often embody rebellion against authority and societal expectations, mirroring Marlowe’s own complex relationship with the rules of his time. This connection between his life and work adds layers of meaning to his exploration of ambition and human desire.

Related terms

Blank Verse: Unrhymed iambic pentameter that became a hallmark of English dramatic poetry, particularly used by Marlowe and Shakespeare.

Theatrical Innovation: Marlowe's contributions to the theater included complex characters and a focus on psychological depth, setting the stage for more sophisticated storytelling in drama.

Doctor Faustus:

One of Marlowe's most famous plays, it tells the story of a man who makes a pact with the devil, reflecting themes of ambition and the quest for knowledge.