Christopher Marlowe (baptized 26 February 1564 – 30 May 1593) was an English playwright, poet, and translator of the Elizabethan era. He significantly influenced William Shakespeare, who was born in the same year, and is often considered one of Shakespeare's most important predecessors. Marlowe's works are known for their overreaching protagonists and exploration of themes like power, ambition, and humanism.
Marlowe was born in Canterbury, the son of a shoemaker. He received a scholarship to attend The King's School, Canterbury, and later, in 1580, he was awarded a scholarship to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. His education at Cambridge was tumultuous; there were concerns about his absence from the university, which were later resolved with a note from the Privy Council confirming his service to the Queen, possibly as a spy.
Marlowe's first play, Dido, Queen of Carthage, was a collaboration with Thomas Nashe. However, his most famous works include:
These plays are characterized by their poetic language, dramatic intensity, and the portrayal of ambitious characters who often overreach their bounds, leading to their downfall.
Marlowe was known for his controversial life as much as for his literary work. He was involved in several brawls, had a reputation for atheism, and was accused of heresy and blasphemy. His death remains mysterious; he was killed in a tavern brawl in Deptford on 30 May 1593. The official account states that he was stabbed by Ingram Frizer during an argument over a bill, but theories abound, including suggestions of espionage and assassination due to his supposed involvement with the secret service.
Marlowe's influence on English drama cannot be overstated. His introduction of blank verse to the English stage, his portrayal of complex characters, and his thematic depth laid the groundwork for later playwrights like Shakespeare. His works continue to be performed and studied, with many adaptations and scholarly works dedicated to understanding his life and contributions.