TLDR;
Christopher Marlowe, a prominent figure in Elizabethan literature, was known for pushing boundaries and challenging norms. Despite a short career, his works significantly influenced Shakespeare and the development of English theater. Marlowe's life was marked by controversy, including suspicions of heresy and a mysterious death at the age of 29.
- Marlowe challenged literary, religious, and social norms.
- His plays influenced Shakespeare's most popular works.
- He died in mysterious circumstances, possibly linked to accusations of treason and heresy.
Early Life and Education [0:05]
Christopher Marlowe, born in Canterbury, England, in 1564, was the son of a shoemaker. He received a scholarship to Cambridge University, but the university hesitated to grant him his master's degree due to suspicions of his conversion to Catholicism. The Crown intervened, leading scholars to believe Marlowe may have been an agent for the Crown.
Career in London [1:03]
After Cambridge, Marlowe moved to London and began writing for the public stage, marking the beginning of professional writing. He catered to his audience's taste for violent and sensationalistic fiction. His play "Dido, Queen of Carthage," was performed in the late 1580s. Marlowe quickly gained popularity, rivaling Shakespeare.
Key Plays and Influence on Shakespeare [1:40]
Marlowe's "Tamburlaine," performed around 1587, was among the first plays to effectively use blank verse. He wrote only four more plays: "Dr. Faustus," "The Jew of Malta," "Edward II," and "The Massacre at Paris." These plays profoundly influenced Shakespeare, who wrote plays with similar themes, such as "The Jew of Malta" inspiring "The Merchant of Venice," "Dr. Faustus" influencing "Macbeth," "Edward II" leading to "Richard II," and "Tamburlaine" setting the stage for "The Henriad."
The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus [2:46]
Marlowe's most famous play, "The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus," was controversial, especially with Puritans rallying against the theater. The play featured the title character summoning the devil on stage, which was a frightening concept for audiences at the time.
Death and Legacy [3:24]
Christopher Marlowe died at the age of 29 on May 30, 1593, in sensational circumstances. He was stabbed in the eye during a dispute at a boarding house, though many believe this was a cover-up due to accusations of treason and heresy. Despite his short six-year career in London, Marlowe remains one of the top ten English playwrights of all time.