Christopher Marlowe: The Elizabethan Dramatist
Name: Christopher Marlowe
Date of Birth: February 26, 1564
Place of Birth: Canterbury, Kent, England
Parents' Names: John Marlowe (father), Catherine Marlowe (mother)
Works:
- Plays:
- "Doctor Faustus" - A tragedy about a scholar who makes a pact with the devil.
- "Tamburlaine the Great" - A play in two parts about the rise and fall of the Central Asian conqueror.
- "The Jew of Malta" - A play about religious conflict and revenge.
- "Edward II" - A historical play about the reign of King Edward II of England.
- "The Massacre at Paris" - A play depicting the events of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre.
Awards: There were no formal literary awards during Marlowe's time, but his works have had a lasting impact on English literature and drama.
Date of Death: May 30, 1593
Some Information About Them:
- Christopher Marlowe was an influential English playwright, poet, and translator of the Elizabethan era, often considered the most important English dramatist before William Shakespeare.
- Marlowe's works are known for their use of blank verse, their exploration of ambitious and often controversial themes, and their complex, larger-than-life characters.
- He attended Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1584 and later a Master of Arts degree. His academic background influenced his writing, particularly his use of classical references and themes.
- Marlowe's career as a playwright was cut short by his untimely and mysterious death at the age of 29. He was killed in a tavern brawl under suspicious circumstances, which have led to various theories and speculations about his involvement in espionage and the true nature of his death.
- Despite his short life, Marlowe's work had a significant impact on the development of English drama. His innovative use of language and dramatic structure paved the way for later playwrights, including Shakespeare.
- Marlowe's legacy endures through his plays, which continue to be studied, performed, and admired for their bold themes, intricate characterizations, and poetic brilliance.