Christopher Marlowe

Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) is a contemporary of Shakespeare — they were born the same year. Marlowe is thought to have been a great influence on Shakespeare, popularizing the use of blank verse in works such as Tamburlaine, Dr. Faustus, The Jew of Malta, and Edward II.

His life was an eventful one, albeit violently short. He was the son of a shoemaker who attended King's School, Canterbury, and Corpus Christi College. He almost didn't get his degree because he frequently disappeared during his last years at school, giving rise to rumors that he was a spy or some sort of government intelligence agent. It took the intervention of authority to convince the university to grant him his degree.

He fought in wars in the Low Country before settling in London as a playwright. He quickly became known because of the famous company he hung out with, his appearance, fashion, and impulsiveness. While his plays enjoyed great success and were performed by the Lord Admiral's men, his personal life grew increasingly rocky. He fell under suspicion of heresy after pointing out inconsistencies in the Bible. His roommate, fellow playwright Thomas Kyd was tortured into giving evidence against him. Before Marlowe could be brought to trial, however, he was killed in a barroom brawl at Dame Eleanore Bull's tavern.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

--B. Redman