Christopher Marlowe

Definition

Christopher Marlowe was an English playwright and poet active in the late 16th century, known for his significant contributions to the development of Elizabethan drama. His works, including 'Doctor Faustus' and 'Tamburlaine,' showcased complex characters and themes that influenced later playwrights, particularly William Shakespeare, and established a foundation for modern drama.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marlowe was born in 1564, the same year as Shakespeare, and was considered one of the first major English playwrights before Shakespeare rose to prominence.
2. His play 'Doctor Faustus' explores themes of ambition and the quest for knowledge, portraying the tragic consequences of making deals with the devil.
3. Marlowe's use of blank verse set a new standard for English drama, allowing for greater emotional depth and character development.
4. He is credited with popularizing the concept of the tragic hero in his works, influencing the structure and characterization found in later tragedies.
5. Marlowe's mysterious death in 1593 at the age of 29 has sparked much speculation and intrigue regarding his life and contributions to literature.

Review Questions

• How did Christopher Marlowe's use of blank verse impact the structure of English drama?
  • Christopher Marlowe's use of blank verse revolutionized English drama by introducing a more fluid and expressive form of writing. This style allowed for greater emotional resonance and complexity in character portrayal. His mastery of iambic pentameter provided a natural rhythm that enhanced dialogue, paving the way for future playwrights like Shakespeare to explore deeper themes within their works.
• In what ways did Marlowe's portrayal of the tragic hero influence later dramatists such as Shakespeare?
  • Marlowe's depiction of the tragic hero, characterized by noble qualities and a tragic flaw, laid the groundwork for later dramatists. His plays often focused on intense internal conflict and moral dilemmas faced by protagonists like Faustus. This exploration of flawed characters significantly influenced Shakespeare's own portrayal of complex figures such as Hamlet, leading to richer narratives and deeper character development in subsequent works.
• Evaluate the significance of Christopher Marlowe's contributions to the Elizabethan theatrical landscape in relation to his contemporaries.
  • Christopher Marlowe's contributions to Elizabethan theatre were significant because he pushed the boundaries of dramatic storytelling through innovative themes, character complexity, and stylistic elements like blank verse. His bold exploration of ambition, morality, and human experience paved the way for a new era of drama that directly impacted his contemporaries, including Shakespeare. The foundational elements established by Marlowe not only shaped his immediate successors but also helped define modern dramatic literature as a whole.

Related terms

Blank Verse: A form of unrhymed verse typically written in iambic pentameter, which Marlowe famously used in his plays, allowing for a more natural flow of speech.

Theatrical Renaissance: A period of renewed interest in arts and culture during the late 16th and early 17th centuries in England, marked by the emergence of prominent playwrights like Marlowe and Shakespeare.

Tragic Hero: A central character in a tragedy who possesses noble qualities but also has a tragic flaw that leads to their downfall, a concept Marlowe employed in many of his plays.