Edward II (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: Christopher Marlowe
- First Published: 1594
- Type of Work: Play
- Type of Plot: Historical
- Time of Work: Fourteenth century
- Setting: England and France
- Genres: Drama, History play
- Subjects: Language or languages, France or French people, Exile or expatriates, England or English people, Royal courts or courtiers, Fourteenth century, Monarchy
- Locales: Paris, France, London, England, Wales
Characters Discussed
Edward II, the headstrong, dissolute king of England. In his attempts to please his sycophantic favorites, Gaveston and Spencer, he neglects his responsibilities to the state, alienates Queen Isabella, and provokes rebellion among his nobles, who deprive him of his crown and eventually of his life. He responds to his dethronement with histrionic protests that are echoed by William Shakespeare’s Richard II. Like Richard II, Edward II expresses a longing for a quiet life of contemplation.
Piers Gaveston (pihrz GAV-ehs- tuhn), Edward’s ambitious...
[The entire page is 1004 words long]
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