University Wits and English Drama

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Questions and Answers

What era did the University Wits significantly contribute to the development of English drama?

Renaissance era (correct)

Modern era

Victorian era

Medieval era

Which key figure is NOT typically associated with the University Wits?

Thomas Kyd

Christopher Marlowe

Robert Greene

William Shakespeare (correct)

What type of plays dominated English drama before the University Wits?

Comedies

Tragedies

Morality plays (correct)

Histories

What was a significant change brought by the University Wits to English drama?

Enhancement of character complexity Signup and view all the answers

How did the education of the University Wits influence their writing?

It provided knowledge of classical literature. Signup and view all the answers

What did the rise of public theaters signify for the University Wits?

An opportunity to reach a broader audience Signup and view all the answers

Which theme did the University Wits NOT introduce to English drama?

Religious themes Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the University Wits help transition English drama from its previous forms?

By enriching language and plot complexity Signup and view all the answers

What dramatic form did Christopher Marlowe popularize in English theater?

Blank verse Signup and view all the answers

Which term is often used to refer to Marlowe's style of writing?

Marlowe's mighty line Signup and view all the answers

What type of conflicts did Marlowe's protagonists frequently face?

Internal conflicts Signup and view all the answers

Who among the University Wits is known for creating courtly comedies?

John Lyly Signup and view all the answers

What did Robert Greene contribute to the development of English drama?

Romantic comedies combining humor with folklore Signup and view all the answers

Which element did the University Wits not innovate in English drama?

Directing techniques Signup and view all the answers

How did Marlowe influence Shakespeare?

He laid the groundwork for Shakespeare's masterpieces. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant characteristic of the tragedies written by Marlowe?

Explore existential suffering Signup and view all the answers

Which classical authors heavily influenced the works of the University Wits?

Seneca, Plautus, and Terence Signup and view all the answers

What are the main themes introduced by Christopher Marlowe in his plays?

Renaissance themes of ambition and knowledge Signup and view all the answers

How did the characterization in plays by the University Wits differ from earlier English drama?

Characters were portrayed with psychological complexity and nuance Signup and view all the answers

Which play by Marlowe is based on a historical figure?

Tamburlaine Signup and view all the answers

What stylistic contribution is notably attributed to the University Wits?

Use of blank verse Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Doctor Faustus in Marlowe's play?

A man who seeks knowledge and power but faces damnation Signup and view all the answers

Which play features characters from various social backgrounds as introduced by Robert Greene?

Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay Signup and view all the answers

Which elements did the University Wits blend into English drama?

Classical motifs and structures with medieval traditions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

University Wits and English Drama

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.
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

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).
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.
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.
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).
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.