Post-Shakespeare: The Most Influential Plays by His Contemporaries

Introduction

William Shakespeare is often hailed as the greatest dramatist in the English language. However, his contemporaries were equally talented and produced plays that have left an indelible mark on the world of literature. In this article, we will explore some of the most significant plays written by authors who lived and worked during Shakespeare’s time, particularly focusing on Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson.

Christopher Marlowe: Pioneering Heroic Tragedies

Christopher Marlowe, although far less known than Shakespeare today, played a pivotal role in shaping the tragic tradition in English drama. His works, including Tamburlaine the Great, The Jew of Malta, and Doctor Faustus, introduced a new level of grandeur and vitality to the genre. Marlowe's influence on Shakespeare cannot be overstated; his grand heroic themes and dynamic characterizations laid the groundwork for Shakespeare's own tragedies.

Tamburlaine the Great (1587-1590)

Tamburlaine the Great is one of Marlowe's most celebrated works. This play tells the story of Tamburlaine, a humble shepherd who rises to become the conqueror of the Ottoman Empire. Tamburlaine's rise to power, marked by acts of great ambition and violence, resonated with the contemporary political and social climate of Elizabethan England. Marlowe's use of a single protagonist driving the drama to its intense and dramatic climax became an influence on Shakespeare's own tragedies, such as Hamlet and Macbeth.

The Jew of Malta (1589)

The Jew of Malta is known for its vivid portrayal of a Jewish character, Barabas, who is driven to seek revenge against his Christian oppressors. The play's themes of revenge, betrayal, and power were explored in a new and provocative manner, influencing later playwrights including Shakespeare and Ben Jonson. Marlowe's depiction of Barabas as a complex and multifaceted figure was groundbreaking for the time, and his writing helped to shape the compass of the dramatic arts.

Doctor Faustus (c. 1590-1592)

Doctor Faustus has become a canonical work in the English canon, revolving around the Lucifer-refusing scholar, Dr. Faustus. Marlowe's portrayal of Faustus as a tragic figure and the exploration of themes such as the struggle between good and evil, knowledge and power, have had a lasting influence on the medical and demonic themes that would become prominent in English literature. The play's exploration of philosophical and theological questions, combined with its vivid and theatrical style, cemented Marlowe's reputation as a literary giant.

Ben Jonson: Innovator of Absurdist Humor

Ben Jonson, another prominent playwright of Shakespeare’s era, also left a significant mark on the literary landscape. His plays, while less influenced by the tragic tradition, introduced a new form of comedic satire and social commentary that remains influential to this day. Some of his most notable works include Volpone, The Alchemist, and Every Man in His Humour. These plays often featured multiple interconnected characters and comedic scenarios that blurred the lines between high and low comedy, a technique that prefigured the later works of writers like George Saunders.

Volpone (1605-1606)

Volpone is a brilliant and astute satire centered on a prominent Venetian miser, Volpone, who deceives everyone around him, from his courtesans to patients, in an attempt to secure a portion of his dying wife's fortune. The play uses witty dialogue and a web of interrelated plots, earning Jonson praise for creating a character whose artful deception and cruelty are as compelling as they are contemptible. The work's sharp social critique and intricate plot structure have secured its place in the pantheon of great English comedies.

The Alchemist (1610)

The Alchemist is set in an alchemical laboratory and features a group of rogues and con men attempting to perfect the philosopher's stone, a mythical substance that could transmute base metals into gold and grant eternal life. The play’s use of slapstick humor and its commentary on the venality of human nature are some of the elements that make it a central text in the history of English comedy. Jonson’s ability to create characters that are both sympathetically flawed and hilariously absurd has influenced countless comedians and satirists since.

Every Man in His Humour (c. 1596-97)

Every Man in His Humour is a precursor to Shakespeare’s “Four Humours” comedies, such as As You Like It and Twelfth Night. The play is a pointed social satire, exploring the quirks of human character types in Elizabethan society. By using the concept of “humours” (the four bodily fluids associated with different character types), Jonson created a series of highly comedic and dramatically effective plays. His keen observations of human behavior and his ability to craft memorable, character-driven dialogue continue to captivate audiences.

Conclusion

Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson, among others, profoundly influenced the evolution of English drama in ways that can still be seen in modern theater. Marlowe’s grand and tragic narratives set the stage for Shakespeare, while Jonson’s satirical comedies introduced new forms of social commentary and comedic techniques. The contributions of these playwrights to the literary landscape of their time, and our time, underscore their enduring significance in the sphere of English drama and literature.