The renaissance period in England. Art and literature, development of drama. Dynasties, kings and queens.
Drama was divided into tragedy and comedy. First one swere imitations of ancient
Roman tragedies and comedies. The first playwrights were men of academic learning.
Called Universitie Wits. First plays were the plays of action, situations were natural.
Characters were real humans with their vices and virtues.
The first outstanding playwright was Christopher Marlowe 1564-1593. Born in
Canterbury son of a cobbler. In 1580 went to Cambridge university, showed himself
as atheist. During his schoolyears he was nutorious of his violent and disreputable
behaviour ( kaak ). In 1584 he got his bachelor of Arts. Is thought that he belonged to
Elizabeths secret service. Was reason why didn't get his masters degree. 1587 wrote
"Tamburlaine the Great" was suspected from the beginning. After that " Doctor
Faustus", "The Jew of Malta" etc. In his playshe reveals the true spirit of the
Renaissance. Main themes are lust for power. The desire to do a way with the old
restriction of the church