English Hons.: Paper-VIII Group A - The University Wits

The University Wits

• A group of playwrights in the 1580s, educated at Oxford or Cambridge, who reformed English drama and paved the way for Shakespeare.

Robert Greene

• Wrote scripture drama "The Love of David and Fair Bathsabe" closely following the Bible record.
• Wrote "Edward I", turning to national history.
• Parodied romanticists in "The Old Wive's Tale", which has a perfect charm of romantic humour.
• Member of both universities.

Thomas Lodge

• Educated at Oxford.
• A facile writer, wrote two plays: "The Wounds of Civil War" and "A Looking Glass for London and England".
• Better known for euphuistic prose romance "Rosalynde", the source for Shakespeare's "As You Like It".

Thomas Nash

• Wrote "Summers Last Will and Testament" and "The Unfortunate Traveller".

Thomas Kyd and Marlowe

• Occupied a permanent place among Shakespeare's predecessors.
• Influenced by Seneca.

John Lyly

• Leader of the University Wits.
• Known for his series of witty comedies: "Campaspe", "Sapho and Phao", "Endymion", and "Midas".
• Addressed Elizabeth with delicate flattery in his plays.
• Pioneered the first elaboration of romantic sentiment.
• Wrote in Euphuistic prose, characterized by artificial structure and language, but refined in manner, witty and graceful.
• His plays made way for Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost", "A Midsummer Night's Dream", and "As You Like It".

George Peele

• Wrote the graceful pastoral "The arraignment of Paris", flattery to Elizabeth.