University Wits: English Playwrights Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary theme explored in Thomas Lodge's Rosalynde?

  • Revenge and betrayal
  • Adventure and exploration
  • Pastoral romance (correct)
  • Love and transformation

What is the primary theme of Christopher Marlowe's play 'Doctor Faustus'?

  • A scholar's quest for knowledge and power (correct)
  • The tragic fall of a historical king
  • The comedic adventures of a roguish soldier
  • An exploration of societal corruption

Which work by John Lyly is centered around the moon goddess Cynthia?

  • Campaspe
  • The Life and Death of William Longbeard
  • Endimion, the Man in the Moon (correct)
  • Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit

'Tamurlaine the Great' is a two-part play primarily about which character?

<p>Tamburlaine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant literary innovation is associated with the University Wits?

<p>Advancement of blank verse (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which playwright co-wrote 'Dido, Queen of Carthage' with Christopher Marlowe?

<p>Thomas Nashe (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which playwright is known for the revenge tragedy The Spanish Tragedy?

<p>Thomas Kyd (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of human experience did the University Wits commonly focus on in their works?

<p>Moral dilemmas and individualism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

'A Looking Glass for London and England' was co-written by Robert Greene and which other writer?

<p>Thomas Lodge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which character is central to Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy?

<p>Hieronimo (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which work is attributed to Robert Greene and involves magic and romance?

<p>Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following works is a historical play about King Edward II's reign?

<p>Edward II (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What genre does the play Campaspe by John Lyly belong to?

<p>Romantic comedy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What societal themes did the University Wits commonly incorporate into their works?

<p>Political and social commentary (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What genre does 'The Unfortunate Traveller, or The Life of Jack Wilton' belong to?

<p>Picaresque novel (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which play is often seen as a precursor to Shakespeare's King Lear?

<p>The Tragedy of King Leir (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of 'The Jew of Malta' written by Christopher Marlowe?

<p>Greed and revenge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which playwright is known for the comedic play 'The Old Wives' Tale'?

<p>George Peele (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is notable about the characters created by the University Wits?

<p>They are psychologically complex (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant influence did 'Pandosto: The Triumph of Time' have on later literature?

<p>Served as inspiration for a Shakespearean tragedy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following University Wits is associated with the play 'The Jew of Malta'?

<p>Christopher Marlowe (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of work is 'Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay' considered to be?

<p>A comedic and romantic play (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which play is credited as an inspiration for Shakespeare's 'The Winter's Tale'?

<p>Pandosto: The Triumph of Time (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is the central character in the play 'Edward II'?

<p>King Edward II (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which University Wit wrote 'Dido, Queen of Carthage'?

<p>Christopher Marlowe (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which genre is 'Pierce Penniless, His Supplication to the Devil' categorized?

<p>Satirical prose (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event does 'The Battle of Alcazar' relate to?

<p>The defeat of King Sebastian (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What literary movement heavily influenced the themes explored by the University Wits?

<p>Humanism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which work does the character Apelles appear, alongside his love for Campaspe?

<p>Campaspe (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plays is known for its critique of societal corruption?

<p>A Looking Glass for London and England (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drama by Marlowe incorporates both tragic and comic elements?

<p>The Jew of Malta (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme of 'Tamburlaine the Great'?

<p>The rise and fall of a conqueror (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which character is associated with the play 'Hero and Leander'?

<p>Leander (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the University Wits primarily advance in English dramatic poetry?

<p>Blank verse (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which character is most associated with themes of revenge in Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy?

<p>Hieronimo (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which work, authored by John Lyly, revolves around the theme of unrequited love and divine interaction?

<p>Endimion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What theme is prominently explored in Thomas Lodge's Scillaes Metamorphosis?

<p>Love and transformation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which playwright is credited with influencing Shakespeare's Hamlet?

<p>Thomas Kyd (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of narrative does Thomas Lodge’s The Life and Death of William Longbeard represent?

<p>Historical narrative (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What element of characterization is notably advanced by the University Wits compared to earlier medieval drama?

<p>Psychological complexity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Who were the University Wits?

A group of English playwrights from the late 16th century, known for their education at Oxford or Cambridge Universities. They were known for their innovative use of language, drama, and themes.

What is 'Doctor Faustus' about?

A play by Christopher Marlowe about a scholar who makes a pact with the devil for knowledge and power. It explores themes of ambition, sin, and the consequences of defying God.

What is 'Tamburlaine the Great' about?

Marlowe's play about the rise and fall of a historical conqueror. It depicts themes of ambition, power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

What is 'The Jew of Malta' about?

Marlowe's play focusing on a Jewish merchant driven by greed and revenge, leading to a tragic and darkly comedic series of events.

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What is 'Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay' about?

A play by Robert Greene, blending magic, historical figures, and romance. It's considered one of his best dramatic works.

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What is 'Pandosto' about?

A prose romance by Robert Greene that inspired Shakespeare's 'The Winter's Tale'. It revolves around themes of jealousy, redemption, and reconciliation.

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What is 'The Unfortunate Traveller' about?

A picaresque novel by Thomas Nashe that follows the adventures of a roguish soldier across Europe. It satirizes society and explores themes of adventure and deception.

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What is 'Dido, Queen of Carthage' about?

A play co-written by Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe, dramatizing the tragic love story of Dido and Aeneas, based on Virgil's Aeneid.

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What is 'The Battle of Alcazar' about?

A play by George Peele based on a historical battle in 1578, where the Portuguese King was defeated. It's a historical play with dramatic elements.

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What is 'The Old Wives' Tale' about?

A comedic play by George Peele that revolves around deception, marriage disputes, and a bit of magic. It's filled with wit and humor.

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University Wits

A group of English playwrights active in the late 16th century who were known for their wit, learning, and innovative use of language, particularly blank verse.

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The Spanish Tragedy

A famous revenge tragedy by Thomas Kyd, which inspired Shakespeare's Hamlet. It follows Hieronimo, a nobleman, seeking revenge for his son's murder.

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Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit

A prose romance by John Lyly, which tells the story of Euphues, a young gentleman, and his adventures. It's known for its elaborate prose style, witty dialogues, and exploring social manners.

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Rosalynde

A pastoral romance authored by Thomas Lodge, which is considered the source for Shakespeare's As You Like It. It tells a tale of love, exile, and transformation in a forest setting.

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Campaspe

A comedy by John Lyly, which revolves around the Greek tale of Apelles, a painter, and his love for Campaspe, who is desired by Alexander the Great. It explores themes of art, love, and power.

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Endimion, the Man in the Moon

A romantic comedy by John Lyly, which narrates the love story of Cynthia, the moon goddess, and Endimion, a mortal man. It's known for its poetic language and exploration of mythological themes.

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Scillaes Metamorphosis

A narrative poem by Thomas Lodge, based on the Greek myth of Scylla and Glaucus. It explores themes of love, transformation, and the power of divine forces.

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The Life and Death of William Longbeard

A historical narrative by Thomas Lodge, which tells the story of William Longbeard, a popular figure in 13th-century London, known for his social reforms and opposition to authority.

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Senecan Influence

The influence of Roman playwright Seneca, known for his tragedy works, is prominent in the revenge tragedies of the University Wits. Examples include The Spanish Tragedy by Thomas Kyd and Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe.

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Humanism and Individualism

The University Wits embraced the Renaissance and humanism's focus on human nature and individual experience. They explored themes like morality, fate, individual choices, and ambition.

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Name some key members of the University Wits.

Christopher Marlowe, Robert Greene, Thomas Nashe, George Peele, and others.

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What were some common themes explored by the University Wits?

Their plays often explored themes of ambition, morality, power, and the consequences of choices.

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What is an example of a play by the University Wits that explores the consequences of choices?

Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus" is a classic example, depicting a scholar who bargains with the devil for knowledge and power.

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What were some of the literary techniques used by the University Wits?

They were known for their innovative use of language, particularly blank verse, and their witty and satirical dialogues.

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What was a notable play by Robert Greene, demonstrating the University Wits' interest in blending genres?

Robert Greene's "Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay" is a comedic play blending magical elements, historical figures, and romance.

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What is an example of a novel by a University Wit that provides social commentary?

Thomas Nashe's "The Unfortunate Traveller" is a picaresque novel satirizing society and exploring themes of adventure and deception.

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What is a notable comedic play by George Peele, known for its witty and humorous approach to storytelling?

George Peele's "The Old Wives' Tale" is a comedic play centered around deception and marriage disputes.

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Which classical authors influenced the University Wits?

They drew inspiration from classical authors, such as Seneca, and incorporated themes of revenge and tragedy.

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What historical period were the University Wits active in and what were some key characteristics of that era?

They were active during the Elizabethan era, a time of great cultural and intellectual change.

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What influences did the University Wits have?

They were influenced by classic Greek and Roman writers like Seneca, Plautus, and Terence. Their works often feature themes of revenge, ambition, and the human condition.

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How did the University Wits view humanity?

They were fascinated by the intricacies of human nature and individual experiences, exploring questions of morality, fate, free will, and ambition.

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What social and political themes did the University Wits explore?

They often incorporated political and social issues into their plays, commenting on themes like kingship, corruption, the role of the state, and class dynamics.

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What types of plays did the University Wits write?

They wrote both tragedies and comedies, exploring themes like ambition, power, love, and morality. They created characters with more psychological depth and complexity than before.

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What literary technique did the University Wits promote?

They advanced the use of blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) which became the standard for English dramatic poetry.

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What is "The Spanish Tragedy" about?

This play by Thomas Kyd is a revenge tragedy known for inspiring Shakespeare's Hamlet. It follows Hieronimo, a nobleman, who seeks vengeance for his son's murder.

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What is "Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit" about?

This prose romance by John Lyly tells the story of Euphues, a young gentleman, and his adventures. It's known for its eloquent prose style, witty dialogues, and exploration of social manners.

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What is "Rosalynde" about?

This pastoral romance by Thomas Lodge is considered the source for Shakespeare's As You Like It. It tells a story of love, exile, and transformation in a forest setting.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is "Campaspe" about?

This comedy by John Lyly is based on the Greek story of Apelles, a painter, and his love for Campaspe, who is also desired by Alexander the Great. It explores themes of art, love, and power.

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Study Notes

University Wits: English Playwrights

  • The University Wits were English playwrights active in the late 16th century, educated at Oxford or Cambridge.
  • The term "University Wits" was coined by George Saintsbury, a 19th-century journalist and author, not used during their time.
  • Thomas Kyd, though influential, did not attend either university.

Key Playwrights and Works

  • Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593):

    • Doctor Faustus (1592): A tragedy about a scholar's pact with the devil, exploring knowledge, power, and damnation.
    • Tamburlaine the Great (Parts I and II) (1587-1588): A two-part play detailing the rise and fall of a conquering hero.
    • The Jew of Malta (1589): A dark comedy centered on Barabas, a wealthy Jewish merchant, driven by greed and revenge.
    • Edward II (1592): A historical play portraying the reign and downfall of King Edward II of England, examining royal power and personal desire.
    • Hero and Leander: An unfinished poem, later completed posthumously by George Chapman, recounting the love story of Hero and Leander.
    • Dido, Queen of Carthage (1586): A play, co-written with Thomas Nashe, based on Virgil's Aeneid, depicting the tragic love of Dido and Aeneas.

  • Robert Greene (1558-1592):

    • Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay (1590): A comedic and romantic play including magical elements, the lives of historical figures, and a love triangle.
    • Pandosto: The Triumph of Time (1588): A prose romance, a source for Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, exploring jealousy, redemption, and reconciliation.
    • A Looking Glass for London and England (1589): A morality play, co-authored with Thomas Lodge, criticizing societal corruption and sin.

  • Thomas Nashe (1567-1601):

    • The Unfortunate Traveller, or The Life of Jack Wilton (1594): A picaresque novel detailing Jack Wilton's adventurous travels.
    • Pierce Penniless, His Supplication to the Devil (1592): A satirical work with a poor writer's grievances directed towards the devil.

  • George Peele (1556-1596):

    • The Battle of Alcazar (c. 1589): A historical play about the Portuguese king Sebastian's defeat at the Battle of Alcazar (1578).
    • The Old Wives' Tale (c. 1595): A comic play focused on deception in marriage.
    • Edward I (c. 1593): A historical play about the reign of Edward I of England.

  • John Lyly (1553-1606):

    • Endimion, the Man in the Moon (c. 1591): A romantic comedy about the moon goddess Cynthia's love for the mortal Endimion.
    • Campaspe (c. 1584): A comedy based on the Greek tale of the painter Apelles and his mistress Campaspe.
    • Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit (1578): A prose romance concerning the adventures of Euphues.

  • Thomas Lodge (1558-1625):

    • Rosalynde (1590): A pastoral romance, a source for Shakespeare's As You Like It.
    • Scillaes Metamorphosis (1589): A poem on the Greek myth of Scylla and Glaucus, exploring themes of love and transformation.
    • The Life and Death of William Longbeard (1593): A historical narrative detailing the life of William Longbeard.

  • Thomas Kyd (1558-1594):

    • The Spanish Tragedy (c. 1587-1592): A revenge tragedy influencing Shakespeare's Hamlet.
    • The Tragedy of King Leir (c. 1590s): Often considered a precursor to Shakespeare's King Lear.

Key Features of University Wit's Plays

  • Classical Influences: Derived inspiration from Greek and Roman plays like those by Seneca, Plautus, and Terence.
  • Humanism and Individualism: Explored human nature, morality, ambition, and individual experience.
  • Political and Social Commentary: Included themes of kingship, power, and social structures.
  • Tragedy and Comedy: Presented both tragic and comedic elements in their plays.
  • Innovative Characterization: Developed psychologically complex characters compared to earlier works.
  • Blank Verse: Employed the use of blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter), becoming a standard in English drama.

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Explore the contributions of the University Wits, a group of influential English playwrights from the late 16th century, including Christopher Marlowe and Robert Greene. This quiz covers their notable works and the literary context of their era. Test your knowledge on their plays and contributions to English drama.

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