The Flourishing of Literature and Theatre from 1564 to 1616: The Elizabethan and Jacobean Periods

During the years 1564-1616, specifically marked by Shakespeare's birth and death, literature and theatre experienced a profound and transformative era known as the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods. This period was characterized by a wealth of artistic and intellectual ferment, making it one of the great flowerings of human culture.

Literature and Prose

The epoch was marked by a multitude of literary works in prose. Notably, figures such as Francis Bacon and Robert Greene produced essays and books that have endured and remain fascinating. Robert Greene's detailed accounts of Cony-Catching are particularly entertaining and revealing of Elizabethan city life. Thomas Nashe's The Unfortunate Traveller is a picaresque novel that adds to the literary richness of the era.

Poetry and Versatility

Shakespeare was not alone in his poetic achievements. Other notable poets of the period include Edmund Spenser, whose work encompasses The Faerie Queene, sonnets, and mutability cantos. Phillip Sydney, Samuel Daniel, Ben Jonson, Thomas Nashe, and John Donne are among the many poets who contributed to the rich tapestry of poetry during this time. Their contributions include sonnets, narrative poems, and lyrics. The narrative poems of Marlowe, Fulke Greville, Michael Drayton, and John Chapman's adaptation of Homer's work stand as monuments to the period's literary brilliance.

Theatre and Creativity

Theatre during 1564-1616 saw a flowering of imagination and creativity. The period began with the plays of Thomas Kyd, and it continued through the significant works of Marlowe and Shakespeare, as well as Ben Jonson. The plays of Beaumont and Fletcher, the tragic works of John Webster, and Thomas Middleton's city comedies and satirical pieces like The Revenger's Tragedy also emerged during this time. Not to be overlooked are the better plays of John Marston, which added to the cultural and artistic importance of the era.

The work produced during this time was not only important for its literary and artistic value but also for its cultural impact. The list of significant writers includes a veritable who's who of Early Modern English literature, indicating its profound influence on subsequent generations. The impact of this period on the English language cannot be overstated. Many of the words and phrases we use today can be traced back to Shakespeare or the King James Bible. The vast number of common sayings and phrases that originate from these two sources is staggering.

The Irony and Legacy

Interestingly, playwrights such as Ben Jonson and Christopher Marlowe were, at the time, considered on par with or even superior to Shakespeare. Greene's famous quote, attributed to Marlowe, reflects the intensity of the rivalry and the high esteem in which playwrights were held: "Is this the face that launched a thousand ships/ And burned the topless towers of Ilium?/ Fair Nell, make me immortal with a kiss."

In conclusion, the period from 1564 to 1616 was marked by an extraordinary outpouring of literary and theatrical genius. The contributions of writers like Shakespeare, Marlowe, and Jonson not only shaped the language and literature of their time but also continue to influence and inspire modern audiences.