Some Aspects of the Renaissance As Reflected in the Works of Christopher Marlowe

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to show that Christopher Marlowe is an exponent of the Renaissance in that one can detect some aspects of that age reflected in his works. Before considering the personality of Marlowe, the background of the Renaissance will be discussed in general. The characteristics of the age, the people, and the literature of the day are among the important topics to be investigated. A resume of Marlowe's life is followed with a review of his plays and comments on the dramatist. Acquainted now with the background of the period and with Christopher Marlowe, the man, and Marlowe, the dramatist, the main problem of the paper is reached. It remains to be seen how his writings are a reflection of the age in which he lived; how his personality and spirit are found in his plays. It is with sincere gratitude that I express my indebtedness to all who have made this work possible. I am especially grateful to Mother Mary Gerald, O.P., and to all those of my Community who have afforded me the opportunity of attending the graduate school of the University of Detroit. To the Reverend Burke O' Neill, S.J., I extend my appreciation for his kind and generous guidance in the selection of the subject for this investigation and for his assistance in reading and criticizing the manuscript.