Critically examine Christopher Marlowe's dramatic endeavours that make him an outstanding predecessor to William Shakespeare (MEG 103) (RISE OF ELIZABETHAN COMEDY AND TRAGEDY)

Christopher Marlowe was a talented playwright who wrote during the Elizabethan era, and his dramatic endeavours laid the foundation for the success of his contemporary, William Shakespeare. Marlowe's contribution to the development of English drama was significant and his works have been celebrated for their innovation, experimentation, and technical virtuosity. In this essay, I will examine some of the reasons why Marlowe is considered an outstanding predecessor to Shakespeare.

One of Marlowe's most significant contributions to English drama was his ability to break free from the traditional forms of theatre that were popular in the late sixteenth century. He experimented with different genres and styles, such as his use of blank verse, which paved the way for Shakespeare's own mastery of the form. Marlowe also expanded the scope of English drama, writing plays that dealt with themes such as politics, religion, and sexuality, which had not been explored in English drama before.

Another reason why Marlowe is considered an outstanding predecessor to Shakespeare is his ability to create complex and psychologically nuanced characters. Marlowe's characters are often driven by conflicting desires and impulses, and their motivations are not always clear. This was a significant departure from the archetypal characters that had been the norm in English drama before Marlowe's time. This ability to create complex and nuanced characters influenced Shakespeare's own character development, and many of Shakespeare's most iconic characters can be seen as extensions of Marlowe's own creations.

Marlowe's plays were also known for their dramatic power, which was achieved through his use of powerful imagery, vivid language, and compelling plots. His plays, such as "Doctor Faustus" and "Tamburlaine the Great," were known for their ability to shock and thrill audiences. This ability to create a powerful and engaging theatrical experience was something that Shakespeare also became known for.

Finally, Marlowe's influence on Shakespeare can be seen in the themes and ideas that he explored in his plays. Marlowe tackled subjects such as ambition, power, and the limits of human knowledge, which were themes that Shakespeare would later explore in his own works. Marlowe's exploration of these themes helped to create a fertile ground for Shakespeare's own dramatic explorations.

In conclusion, Christopher Marlowe's dramatic endeavours make him an outstanding predecessor to William Shakespeare. His experimentation with form and style, his ability to create complex and psychologically nuanced characters, his dramatic power, and his exploration of challenging themes all laid the foundation for the success of Shakespeare and the development of English drama as a whole.