Christopher Marlowe Biography
Christopher Marlowe will, historically, always be a runner-up to Shakespeare. Although Marlowe was one of the earliest writers to make use of blank verse, the style is most often associated with Shakespeare. Adding insult to injury, Marlowe’s early plays have been overshadowed by some of Shakespeare’s works that “borrowed” certain character ideas (see, for example, the similarities between Marlowe’s The Jew of Malta and Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice). And finally, Marlowe’s body of work is less expansive than the Bard’s—but perhaps only because Shakespeare managed to live a full three decades longer than Marlowe did. Despite these inevitable comparisons, Marlowe’s plays have stood the test of time and should be regarded as classics in their own right.
Facts and Trivia
- Marlowe was stabbed to death at the age of twenty-nine under circumstances that remain a mystery to this day. Some believe his death was faked and that he continued to write plays under Shakespeare’s name.
- Like many of Shakespeare’s plays, Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus has been scrutinized for its authorship. Two different versions of the work were published over a decade apart, and many believe that another author (or authors) added many of the comic scenes that make up the middle of the play.
- One of the many, many rumors surrounding Marlowe’s life is that he was a spy in the service of Queen Elizabeth I. In fact, some scholars believe that Marlowe’s death—usually thought to be the result of a bar fight—was an assassination.
- Another area of speculation in Marlowe’s life is his sexuality. The question of whether or not he was gay is most often tied to same-sex love themes in his poetry and plays. The clearest example of this is in Edward II, which follows a monarch who rejects his queen in favor of a male lover.
- Despite the endless comparisons, the overlap between Marlowe’s and Shakespeare’s careers is relatively brief. Shakespeare arrived in London only a few short years before Marlowe’s murder.
Biography
Christopher Marlowe, a contemporary of William Shakespeare, remains a significant figure in the realm of English drama, with many experts hypothesizing that his potential could have surpassed even Shakespeare's, had his life not been tragically cut short. Born on February 6, 1564, in Canterbury to John and Catherine Marlowe, Christopher was the son of a shoemaker. His academic journey took him to Corpus Christi College at the University of Cambridge, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1584.
Academic Pursuits and Religious Controversies
Marlowe continued his academic endeavors at Cambridge with the help of a clergyman’s scholarship, though it's widely believed he had little intention of taking holy orders. Instead, he leveraged the scholarship to further his education. Upon being awarded his Master of Arts degree in 1587, Marlowe found himself embroiled in controversy, accused of planning to become a Catholic priest. Such accusations were severe, given the political climate that barred Catholics from earning degrees and the suspicion cast on priests as potential threats to the monarchy. Despite these challenges, Marlowe graduated, albeit ranked 199th out of 231.
Life in London and Legal Troubles
Following his departure from Cambridge, Marlowe relocated to London, where he frequently found himself at odds with the law. He was once imprisoned on charges of murder, but subsequent investigations revealed he had acted in self-defense. Additionally, Marlowe faced accusations of atheism and blasphemy, and was awaiting trial when his life abruptly ended on May 30, 1593. Marlowe died from a stab wound during a tavern brawl in Deptford, ostensibly over an unpaid bill, though suspicions linger that his death was a premeditated assassination.
Trailblazing Works in English Drama
Marlowe’s theatrical debut, The Great Tamburlaine, Part I (circa 1587), was produced soon after his tenure at Cambridge concluded. This play captivated audiences, prompting Marlowe to write a sequel, The Great Tamburlaine, Part II (circa 1587). These plays marked a pivotal shift in English drama, showcasing Marlowe's pioneering use of blank verse, a departure from the rhymed verse that had previously dominated the stage.
Influential Plays and Unfinished Masterpieces
Among Marlowe's other notable works, The Jew of Malta (produced between 1589 and 1590) was followed by The Massacre at Paris around 1590. Unfortunately, The Massacre at Paris was never officially published; existing copies are derived from an unreliable and undated octavo edition. Edward II (circa 1592) is hailed as the first significant English history play. However, it is Dr. Faustus (circa 1589), regarded by many as Marlowe's magnum opus, that truly exemplifies his dramatic genius. This play was staged posthumously, likely unfinished at the time of his death.
Poetic Contributions and Legacy
In addition to his influential dramas, Marlowe also composed poetry, with at least one piece inspiring future poets to match his skill and creativity. “The Passionate Shepherd to His Love,” his most celebrated poem, only saw publication in 1599, six years after Marlowe's death. This work spurred responses from notable poets, including Sir Walter Raleigh’s “The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd” and John Donne’s “The Bait.”
Christopher Marlowe's life, though brief, left a profound impact on English literature, with his plays and poetry continuing to resonate and influence long after his untimely demise.
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