Christopher Marlowe

Definition

Christopher Marlowe was an influential English playwright and poet of the late 16th century, known for his pioneering work in the development of blank verse and complex characters. His plays, characterized by their rich language and dramatic themes, laid the groundwork for future playwrights, particularly William Shakespeare, and contributed significantly to the flourishing of English Renaissance drama.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marlowe's most famous plays include 'Doctor Faustus,' 'Tamburlaine,' and 'Edward II,' which showcase his innovative use of language and dramatic structure.
2. He was one of the first playwrights to create characters that grapple with intense inner conflicts and moral dilemmas, elevating the complexity of character development in drama.
3. Marlowe was also known for his mysterious life and untimely death, which fueled speculation about his influence and legacy in the world of theatre.
4. His work often questioned societal norms and religious beliefs, reflecting the tensions of his time, particularly the conflict between Renaissance humanism and traditional religious views.
5. Marlowe's contributions to theatre extended beyond his own plays; his stylistic choices influenced contemporaries like Shakespeare, who admired Marlowe's mastery of language.

Review Questions

• How did Christopher Marlowe's use of blank verse influence the style of English Renaissance drama?
  • Christopher Marlowe's use of blank verse revolutionized English Renaissance drama by allowing for a more fluid and expressive form of dialogue. This technique facilitated a naturalistic flow of speech, which enhanced character development and emotional depth in plays. By popularizing this form, Marlowe set a standard that many playwrights after him, including Shakespeare, would adopt to create complex characters and engaging narratives.
• What themes are prevalent in Marlowe's tragedies, and how do they reflect the concerns of his time?
  • Marlowe's tragedies often revolve around themes such as ambition, power, and the consequences of human desires. For example, 'Doctor Faustus' explores the perilous quest for knowledge and the limits of human ambition. These themes resonate with the anxieties of the Renaissance period, where individuals were beginning to challenge traditional beliefs and grapple with questions about morality and existence. His plays reflect a deep engagement with the tension between human aspiration and moral consequence.
• Evaluate Christopher Marlowe's impact on later playwrights and the evolution of English theatre.
  • Christopher Marlowe significantly impacted later playwrights through his innovative use of language and exploration of complex characters. His ability to create multi-dimensional figures paved the way for greater emotional depth in drama. The themes he addressed, such as the struggle between personal ambition and societal expectations, resonated with subsequent generations. His influence is particularly evident in the works of Shakespeare, who drew inspiration from Marlowe's dramatic techniques while further expanding on character development and thematic complexity in his own plays.

Related terms

Blank Verse: Unrhymed iambic pentameter that Marlowe popularized, allowing for a more natural flow of speech in dramatic texts.

Theatrical Publics: The diverse audiences that attended performances during the Renaissance, reflecting various social classes and contributing to the popularity of plays.

Tragedy: A genre that Marlowe explored deeply, often focusing on themes of ambition, power, and the human condition.