Christopher Marlowe: Poet, Playwright, Spy

Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593), known as Kit, transformed Elizabethan drama. His innovative use of blank verse and visionary use of the soliloquy to portray the complex inner life of characters, stunned fellow playwrights of the era, most importantly Shakespeare. 

Marlowe’s subversive plot design and focus on the allure of dangerous figures provoked Queen Elizabeth’s powerful censors and left him vulnerable to accusations of sedition and blasphemy. Shrewdly, Marlowe crafted a tragic end for his villains—but only after allowing them free reign in their hubris and bloodthirsty violence. Audiences were enthralled.

Marlowe’s secret work as a spy for Francis Walsingham and the Queen’s Privy Council brought him into dangerous company in an era of vicious infighting over religion and politics. The penalties for traitors were grim. Murdered in what was reputed to be a reckoning over money, Marlowe, only 29, was buried in an unmarked grave after a hasty inquest.

The mysterious circumstances of his life and his sudden death continue to puzzle scholars. What is not in doubt is Marlowe’s brilliant contribution to drama. This class will consider his Dr. Faustus as an extraordinarily complex creation and example of a tragic hero equal parts exceptional and evil. 

Mary Murphy, Ph.D., received her doctorate in English and American Literature from New York University. Her expertise is in the 19^th-century American novel. Newport artists and writers are an area of interest as are classic films. Mary taught English at the university level for many years before retiring to Newport.