Christopher Marlowe

Definition

Christopher Marlowe was an influential English playwright and poet of the late 16th century, known for his blank verse and overreaching characters. He played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of English drama, paving the way for future playwrights like Shakespeare by introducing complex characters and themes of ambition and tragedy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marlowe was born in 1564, the same year as Shakespeare, and is often regarded as one of his most significant contemporaries.
2. His play 'Tamburlaine' marked a turning point in English drama with its use of powerful language and dramatic structure.
3. Marlowe's life was shrouded in mystery and controversy, including rumors of espionage and his untimely death in a bar fight at the age of 29.
4. He introduced the concept of the 'overreacher' character—ambitious figures who challenge authority and face tragic consequences, which influenced many of Shakespeare's protagonists.
5. Marlowe's work significantly contributed to the evolution of theatrical performance in England, expanding the range of themes and emotional depth available to playwrights.

Review Questions

• How did Christopher Marlowe's use of blank verse influence the development of English drama?
  • Christopher Marlowe's innovative use of blank verse allowed for greater flexibility in expression and emotional depth within his plays. This technique not only enhanced the lyrical quality of his works but also set a new standard for dramatic poetry in English theater. His mastery of this form paved the way for later playwrights like Shakespeare to experiment with language and structure, further elevating the art of drama during the Renaissance.
• Discuss the themes present in Marlowe's 'Doctor Faustus' and how they reflect the cultural context of his time.
  • 'Doctor Faustus' explores themes such as ambition, the quest for knowledge, and moral conflict, mirroring the Renaissance era's fascination with humanism and individual potential. Faustus's pact with the devil highlights the dangers of overreaching ambition and the consequences of defying natural limits. This reflects broader societal tensions regarding the pursuit of knowledge versus religious morality during a time when traditional beliefs were being challenged by new ideas in science and philosophy.
• Evaluate Marlowe's impact on Shakespeare and how their works collectively shaped English literature.
  • Christopher Marlowe's innovative storytelling techniques and complex characters significantly influenced Shakespeare's approach to playwriting. The themes introduced by Marlowe, such as individual ambition and tragic flaws, can be seen echoed in many of Shakespeare’s own characters. Together, their works marked a transition in English literature towards more sophisticated narratives that explored human experience deeply. This collaboration of ideas set a foundation for future playwrights, establishing a rich tradition that would define English drama for generations.

Related terms

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

Doctor Faustus:

A play by Marlowe that tells the story of a scholar who makes a pact with the devil, reflecting themes of ambition, knowledge, and moral struggle.

Renaissance:

A cultural movement in Europe during the 14th to 17th centuries that emphasized art, literature, science, and humanism, influencing Marlowe's works.