University Wits | Literary Movement In English Literature | Christopher Marlowe | Chapter #2

The term 'University Wits' refers to a group of Elizabethan playwrights educated at prestigious institutions like Cambridge and Oxford. Coined by George Saintsbury, this label highlights the significant impact these writers had on English drama during their time. Their works are frequently referenced in judicial examinations, emphasizing their lasting influence on literature.

The term 'University Wits' is often misunderstood as referring to a specific group of playwrights who collaborated on writing dramas. In reality, writing is primarily a solitary endeavor; most writers prefer solitude due to the inherent disputes and disagreements that arise in collaborative efforts. While some exceptions exist, such as the collective effort behind the King James Bible, these are rare compared to individual work.

George Sainsbury introduced the term "university wits" to describe playwrights from Oxford and Cambridge, including notable figures like Christopher Marlowe, Robert Greene, Thomas Nash from Cambridge, and John Lyly, Thomas Lodge, George Peele from Oxford. Additionally, although he did not attend university himself, Thomas Kyd is also recognized among these influential writers. The discussion will focus on significant works produced by these university-educated dramatists who experimented with various writing styles.

When preparing for competitive exams like UGC NET or GATE in English literature, it's essential to utilize effective study materials. Resources available on websites such as limitlessliterature.com can provide valuable support and guidance tailored specifically for these subjects. Accessing quality content is crucial to enhance your preparation strategy.

Christopher Marlowe, a prominent dramatist from Cambridge University, is renowned for his masterful use of blank verse. Although blank verse was first introduced in the play 'Gorboduc' by Thomas Norton and Sackville, it was Marlowe who truly perfected its application in drama. Ben Jonson praised him for this achievement, referring to it as "Marlowe's mighty line." His notable works such as 'Doctor Faustus' and 'Tamburlaine' exemplify the power of blank verse in English literature.

Blank verse is unrhymed poetry that primarily uses iambic pentameter, allowing poets and dramatists to create lengthy works without the constraints of rhyme schemes. This style provides a musical quality through the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables, making it easier for writers like John Milton in 'Paradise Lost' to compose extensive texts. Introduced by Thomas Norton and Sackville, blank verse was further popularized by Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare, who utilized this form effectively in their plays. John Milton later excelled with this meter, showcasing its versatility.

Different writers have distinct styles and genres that shape their contributions to literature. Christopher Marlowe is known for his tragedies, while John Lyly blended elements of anatomy with weighty themes in his works. Thomas Kyd's 'Spanish Tragedy' exemplifies another unique approach within the genre. These dramatists each developed their own writing techniques, enriching English literature significantly.

Robert Greene criticized Shakespeare in his pamphlet "Groats-Worth of Wit," accusing him of stealing material from other writers to achieve fame and fortune. Greene referred to Shakespeare as a 'star pro' who, like a crow, took what belonged to others. Notably, works such as Hamlet drew inspiration from Thomas Kyd's Spanish Tragedy and The Merchant of Venice shared elements with Christopher Marlowe's The Jew of Malta. Additionally, Henry VI had significant contributions from Thomas Nash while Titus Andronicus is believed by some researchers to have been written by George Peele. This reliance on existing sources fueled Greene’s jealousy towards Shakespeare’s growing success.

Robert Greene's critique of Christopher Marlowe highlights the significance of studying key literary works for competitive examinations. Essential texts include 'Dr. Faustus,' 'The Jew of Malta,' and others by Thomas Nash, John Lilly, and Thomas Kyd like 'The Spanish Tragedy.' Memorizing titles associated with university syllabi is crucial as exam questions frequently focus on these playwrights. Recent trends indicate a consistent emphasis on this topic in exams over the past several years.