Marlow vs. Shakespeare

Attribute	Marlow	Shakespeare
Birthplace	Canterbury, England	Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Genre	Drama, Tragedy	Tragedy, Comedy, History
Famous Works	Doctor Faustus, Tamburlaine	Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth
Language	English	English
Writing Style	Blank verse, iambic pentameter	Blank verse, prose

Background

Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare are two of the most famous playwrights of the Elizabethan era. Both were born in England in the late 16th century and made significant contributions to English literature. While Marlowe's life was cut short at the age of 29, Shakespeare went on to become one of the most renowned playwrights in history. Despite their different paths, both writers left a lasting impact on the world of literature.

Writing Style

Marlowe and Shakespeare had distinct writing styles that set them apart from each other. Marlowe was known for his powerful and poetic language, often using blank verse in his plays. His works were characterized by their grand themes and tragic endings. On the other hand, Shakespeare's writing was more versatile, ranging from comedies to tragedies to histories. He had a knack for creating complex characters and weaving intricate plots that captivated audiences.

Themes

While both Marlowe and Shakespeare explored a wide range of themes in their works, there were some differences in their focus. Marlowe's plays often delved into themes of power, ambition, and the human condition. His characters were driven by their desires and often met tragic ends as a result. Shakespeare, on the other hand, explored themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal in his plays. His works often featured intricate relationships and moral dilemmas that resonated with audiences.

Characters

One of the key differences between Marlowe and Shakespeare lies in their approach to character development. Marlowe's characters were often larger than life, embodying extreme qualities such as ambition or revenge. They were driven by their passions and often met violent ends. Shakespeare, on the other hand, created more nuanced characters with complex motivations and inner conflicts. His characters were often a mix of good and bad qualities, making them more relatable to audiences.

Influence

Despite his early death, Marlowe's influence on English literature cannot be understated. His works paved the way for Shakespeare and other playwrights of the time, setting a high standard for dramatic writing. Shakespeare, on the other hand, went on to become one of the most influential writers in history. His plays have been translated into countless languages and continue to be performed around the world. Both Marlowe and Shakespeare have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire writers and artists to this day.