Christopher Marlowe: A Theatrical Pioneer
Introduction
Christopher Marlowe, a contemporary of William Shakespeare, was an original and popular playwright of immense talent. Some scholars argue that had he not died prematurely, his literary achievements might have even surpassed Shakespeare’s. “He was a pioneer, breaking new ground in the form and content of the drama” (S. Simkin). Marlowe’s innovative use of dramatic conventions contributed significantly to his, and Shakespeare’s, popularity.
Marlowe’s life and writings are shrouded in speculation and controversy, often fueled by extra-literary prejudices due to his unconventional and subversive lifestyle.
Despite the controversies, his literary accomplishments remain comparable to Shakespeare’s.
A Radical Life
- Born in Canterbury in February 1564.
- Studied at Cambridge University, but frequently absent on suspected secret government service, possibly as a spy.
- The true nature of his absences from Cambridge remains a mystery.
- Regularly involved in violence and legal disputes.
- Arrested in May 1593 for his controversial religious views.
- Fatally stabbed in a tavern brawl in Deptford on May 30, 1593, at the young age of 29.
- Remembered as a rebellious, independent thinker who challenged societal norms.
Marlowe and the Critics
- The negative criticism directed at Marlowe often stems from his ideas rather than his writing, despite a lack of concrete evidence supporting the accusations of his notoriety or unorthodoxy.
- Few writers have faced such harsh critical treatment.
- Prejudices and biased interpretations have overshadowed his dramatic artistry.
- His unconventional life and circumstances have contributed to a negative perception of his work.
- T.S. Eliot’s influential 20th-century criticism, emphasizing Marlowe’s “torrential imagination”, helped shift the focus towards his writing rather than his biography.
Marlowe and Shakespeare
Both playwrights were considered models of literary creation, fostering a sense of competition between them.
- Marlowe is seen as a precursor to Shakespeare, with some scholars suggesting he served as a “provocative agent” in Shakespeare’s early plays.
- This dynamic suggests a mutual drive to excel in the London theater scene.
- Some critics, like Thomas Cartelli, posit that Marlowe’s work was a “pre-condition” for Shakespeare’s.
- Harold Bloom’s concept of “the anxiety of influence” describes the psychological imperative for writers to differentiate themselves from their predecessors. Originality, however, doesn’t necessitate a complete break from the past.
- Marlowe’s Barabas in The Jew of Malta is believed to have inspired Shakespeare’s Aaron.
- Similarities between Marlowe’s Mortimer and Shakespeare’s Richard III suggest a mutual awareness and influence.
Dramatic Features of Marlowe’s Theatre
- A drama of excess, characterized by extravagant language and theatrical elements.
- An intellectual exploration of human potential, often portraying characters who transcend physical limitations.
- An anti-didactic approach, prioritizing entertainment over moral instruction.
- A drama of transgression and dissidence, exploring themes of rebellion and lawlessness.
Marlowe’s Dramatic Interests
- Religion: A central theme in his life and plays, ultimately leading him to question the validity of established religions.
- Materialism: An exploration of the allure and power of material wealth, exemplified by Barabas’s famous line in The Jew of Malta.
- Marlowe’s aristocratic background and its influence on his work.