Christopher Marlowe
Christopher Marlowe
Full Name and Common Aliases
Christopher Marlowe was a renowned English playwright and poet, commonly referred to as Kit Marlowe. He is also known by his Latinized name, Christophorus Marlovius.
Birth and Death Dates
Marlowe was born on February 26, 1564, in Canterbury, Kent, England. His life was tragically cut short when he was stabbed to death in a tavern brawl on May 30, 1593, at the age of 29.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Marlowe was an English playwright, poet, and translator. He is considered one of the greatest writers of the English Renaissance, alongside William Shakespeare.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Marlowe's early life was marked by his fascination with language, literature, and theater. He attended the King's School in Canterbury before proceeding to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, where he studied classics and philosophy. During his time at university, Marlowe developed a passion for writing and began experimenting with various forms of poetry.
Major Accomplishments
Marlowe's most notable accomplishments include:
Tamburlaine the Great: A two-part play that showcases Marlowe's mastery of blank verse and his ability to create complex characters.
Doctor Faustus: A tragedy that explores themes of ambition, morality, and the consequences of one's actions.
Edward II: A historical drama that examines the downfall of King Edward II of England.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Marlowe's notable works include:
The Jew of Malta: A play that critiques anti-Semitism and explores themes of power, greed, and morality.
Dido, Queen of Carthage: A romance that retells the story of Dido and Aeneas from Virgil's Aeneid.
Marlowe was also a talented translator and rendered several classical works into English, including Ovid's Amores and Euripides' Medea.
Impact and Legacy
Marlowe's impact on literature is immeasurable. He influenced a generation of writers, including William Shakespeare, who is often seen as his rival or peer. Marlowe's plays were known for their complex characters, rich language, and exploration of themes that were considered taboo during the Elizabethan era.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Marlowe is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
Innovative Style: His use of blank verse, a form of unrhymed iambic pentameter, revolutionized English poetry and drama.
Complex Characters: Marlowe's characters are multidimensional and complex, often struggling with moral dilemmas and personal conflicts.
Exploration of Taboo Themes: Marlowe's works tackled subjects that were considered forbidden during his time, such as ambition, morality, and the nature of humanity.
Marlowe's legacy extends beyond his own works to influence subsequent generations of writers. His innovative style, complex characters, and exploration of taboo themes have made him a timeless figure in literature, ensuring his continued relevance and importance today.
Quotes by Christopher Marlowe
Christopher Marlowe's insights on:
Hell strives with grace for conquest in my breast. What shall I do to shun the snares of death?
Till swollen with cunning, of a self-conceit, His waxen wings did mount above his reach, And, melting, Heavens conspir’d his overthrow.
If we say that we have no sin, We deceive ourselves, and there’s no truth in us. Why then belike we must sin, And so consequently die. Ay, we must die an everlasting death.