Podcast
Questions and Answers
What era did the University Wits significantly contribute to the development of English drama?
What era did the University Wits significantly contribute to the development of English drama?
Which key figure is NOT typically associated with the University Wits?
Which key figure is NOT typically associated with the University Wits?
What type of plays dominated English drama before the University Wits?
What type of plays dominated English drama before the University Wits?
What was a significant change brought by the University Wits to English drama?
What was a significant change brought by the University Wits to English drama?
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How did the education of the University Wits influence their writing?
How did the education of the University Wits influence their writing?
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What did the rise of public theaters signify for the University Wits?
What did the rise of public theaters signify for the University Wits?
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Which theme did the University Wits NOT introduce to English drama?
Which theme did the University Wits NOT introduce to English drama?
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In what way did the University Wits help transition English drama from its previous forms?
In what way did the University Wits help transition English drama from its previous forms?
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What dramatic form did Christopher Marlowe popularize in English theater?
What dramatic form did Christopher Marlowe popularize in English theater?
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Which term is often used to refer to Marlowe's style of writing?
Which term is often used to refer to Marlowe's style of writing?
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What type of conflicts did Marlowe's protagonists frequently face?
What type of conflicts did Marlowe's protagonists frequently face?
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Who among the University Wits is known for creating courtly comedies?
Who among the University Wits is known for creating courtly comedies?
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What did Robert Greene contribute to the development of English drama?
What did Robert Greene contribute to the development of English drama?
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Which element did the University Wits not innovate in English drama?
Which element did the University Wits not innovate in English drama?
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How did Marlowe influence Shakespeare?
How did Marlowe influence Shakespeare?
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What was a significant characteristic of the tragedies written by Marlowe?
What was a significant characteristic of the tragedies written by Marlowe?
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Which classical authors heavily influenced the works of the University Wits?
Which classical authors heavily influenced the works of the University Wits?
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What are the main themes introduced by Christopher Marlowe in his plays?
What are the main themes introduced by Christopher Marlowe in his plays?
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How did the characterization in plays by the University Wits differ from earlier English drama?
How did the characterization in plays by the University Wits differ from earlier English drama?
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Which play by Marlowe is based on a historical figure?
Which play by Marlowe is based on a historical figure?
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What stylistic contribution is notably attributed to the University Wits?
What stylistic contribution is notably attributed to the University Wits?
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What characterizes Doctor Faustus in Marlowe's play?
What characterizes Doctor Faustus in Marlowe's play?
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Which play features characters from various social backgrounds as introduced by Robert Greene?
Which play features characters from various social backgrounds as introduced by Robert Greene?
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Which elements did the University Wits blend into English drama?
Which elements did the University Wits blend into English drama?
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Study Notes
University Wits and English Drama
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The University Wits were a group of English playwrights and poets in the late 16th century, most of whom were educated at Oxford or Cambridge. This group includes Christopher Marlowe, Robert Greene, Thomas Nashe, George Peele, Thomas Lodge, John Lyly, and Thomas Kyd.
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They bridged the gap between medieval morality plays and the more sophisticated dramas of the Elizabethan era, laying the groundwork for Shakespeare.
Impact of University Wits on English Drama
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Classical and Contemporary themes: they introduced classical themes and subjects into English drama through their knowledge of classical literature. This is seen in Marlowe's Tamburlaine (inspired by Timur) and Doctor Faustus (inspired by the German legend).
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Character complexity: they moved away from stock characters and introduced more complex characters driven by personal ambition, inner conflict, and nuanced motivations. Marlowe's Tamburlaine and Doctor Faustus are driven by ambition and overreach.
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Blank verse: they popularized blank verse, unrhymed iambic pentameter, as the dominant form of dramatic language in English theater. Marlowe's use of blank verse in Tamburlaine allowed for greater expression of emotion and complexity of thought.
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Expanding dramatic genres: they expanded the range of genres available in English drama, reviving tragedy with greater emotional depth (Marlowe), and shaping comedy with wit and elegance (Lyly) & humor and romance (Greene).
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Paving the way for Shakespeare: the University Wits laid the groundwork for Shakespeare’s success. Their innovation in language, structure, character, and genre provided Shakespeare with the tools he needed to create his masterpieces.
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Description
Explore the significant contributions of the University Wits to English drama in the late 16th century. This quiz covers their classical influences, character complexity, and the evolution from medieval plays to the Elizabethan era. Test your knowledge on playwrights like Christopher Marlowe and his impact on the theatrical landscape.
