The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus (eBook)

Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593), the esteemed English playwright, poet, and translator of the Elizabethan era, has often been hailed as a preeminent figure in the development of English drama prior to Shakespeare. Marlowe's work is known for its blank verse and overreaching protagonists. He was a contemporary of William Shakespeare, with whom he is sometimes alleged to have had a contentious rivalry. Born in Canterbury, England, Marlowe was a scholar at the King's School and later at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. Among his best-known works is 'The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus,' which showcases Marlowe's preoccupation with ambition, the supernatural, and the existential struggles of man. The play, with its complex protagonist, Dr. Faustus, reflects Marlowe's genius in combining classical elements with the burgeoning Renaissance spirit. His dramatic verse set the precedent for the craft of plays in his time, and his influence on subsequent playwriting, notably on the works of Shakespeare, has been widely acknowledged. Despite his literary achievements, Marlowe's life was forthwith tragedy and scandal, culminating in his untimely death in a tavern brawl under mysterious circumstances at the age of 29. His brief but significant body of work remains a subject of scholarly study and literary celebration.