University Wits and English Drama PDF

Question: Write a note on the contributions of University Wits towards the development of English drama. Answer: The University Wits were a group of English playwrights and poets in the late 16^th^ century, most of whom were educated at Oxford or Cambridge. These writers made significant contributi...

Question: Write a note on the contributions of University Wits towards the development of English drama. Answer: The University Wits were a group of English playwrights and poets in the late 16^th^ century, most of whom were educated at Oxford or Cambridge. These writers made significant contributions to the development of English drama during the Elizabethan era, helping to bridge the gap between the morality plays of the medieval period and the sophisticated dramas that followed, particularly those of Shakespeare. The key figures associated with the University Wits include Christopher Marlowe, Robert Greene, Thomas Nashe , George Peele, Thomas Lodge, John Lyly, and Thomas Kyd, although Kyd is often grouped with them by association rather than formal education. Their collective works helped to shape the foundation of English drama, both in terms of content and form, and they played a crucial role in the transition to the more complex, character-driven, and diverse dramas that would dominate the English stage during the Renaissance. Historical Context and the Need for Innovation : Before the University Wits, English drama was largely dominated by morality plays, mystery plays, and interludes---relatively simple forms of drama that often conveyed religious or didactic messages. While these forms were significant, they lacked the complexity of character, plot, and language that would later define the Elizabethan and Jacobean stage. The arrival of the University Wits signaled a new phase in English drama. Their university education provided them with a knowledge of classical literature, rhetoric, and poetics, which they used to enhance the quality of English plays, infusing them with greater depth, sophistication, and variety. The Wits were also instrumental in meeting the growing demand for more popular and accessible forms of entertainment, especially with the rise of public theaters such as The Theatre and The Curtain in London. These venues provided spaces where a diverse audience could enjoy performances, and the Wits rose to the occasion by producing plays that appealed both to the educated elite and to the broader populace. Contributions of University Wits towards English drama: 1. Introduction of Classical and Contemporary Themes: One of the most important contributions of the University Wits was their introduction of classical themes and subjects to English drama. They were heavily influenced by the works of classical authors such as Seneca, Plautus, and Terence, as well as by Renaissance humanism. This influence is particularly evident in their tragedies and comedies, where they borrowed classical motifs and structures but adapted them to suit the tastes of Elizabethan audiences. Christopher Marlowe, for instance, drew on classical and contemporary sources for his plays. His Tamburlaine and Doctor Faustus both showcase this blend. Tamburlaine is based on the life of a historical figure, the Central Asian conqueror Timur, and it reflects Marlowe's interest in grand, heroic subjects drawn from history. Similarly, Doctor Faustus is based on the German legend of a man who sells his soul to the devil, blending elements of medieval morality plays with Renaissance themes of ambition, knowledge, and individualism. By introducing such themes, the Wits elevated English drama from the religious and moral allegories of earlier periods to a form of theater that engaged with complex human emotions, philosophical ideas, and the individual's place in the world. 2. Development of Character Complexity: Before the University Wits, English drama often featured stock characters or allegorical figures, such as those found in morality plays (e.g., "Everyman" or "Good Deeds"). The Wits moved away from these simplistic figures and introduced more psychologically complex characters who were driven by personal ambition, inner conflict, and nuanced motivations. Marlowe, again, stands out in this regard. His protagonists, such as the ambitious Tamburlaine or the tragic Doctor Faustus, are characterized by a deep sense of internal struggle. Faustus's quest for knowledge and power, coupled with his ultimate damnation, introduces themes of human aspiration and the consequences of overreaching. This kind of complexity in characterization was a marked departure from earlier English drama, paving the way for even greater character development in Shakespeare and his contemporaries. The Wits also portrayed characters from different social strata, introducing a wider range of human experiences. Robert Greene, for example, in Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay, brought a mix of both comic and tragic elements, showcasing characters from various backgrounds, from peasants to scholars, creating a richer social tapestry within the play. 3. Use of Blank Verse: One of the most significant stylistic contributions of the University Wits was the use of blank verse. Before their time, English plays were often written in rhymed verse or prose. However, Christopher Marlowe popularized blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) as the dominant form of dramatic language in English theater. His use of blank verse in Tamburlaine was groundbreaking, providing a more flexible and elevated form of dialogue that allowed for greater expression of emotion and complexity of thought. Marlowe's blank verse---often referred to as "Marlowe's mighty line"---became the standard for English drama, influencing Shakespeare and many others who followed. The rhythmic yet natural flow of blank verse allowed for a more nuanced and sophisticated style of writing, and it became the preferred medium for English playwrights during the Renaissance. 4. Expansion of Dramatic Genres: The University Wits were instrumental in expanding the range of genres available to English drama. While tragedy had been a popular form in classical times, the Wits revived it on the English stage with greater emotional depth and thematic complexity. Marlowe's tragedies introduced a kind of heroic and existential suffering that had not previously been explored in English drama. His protagonists often faced internal conflicts about ambition, morality, and power, all set against grand, historical backdrops. On the other hand, writers like John Lyly and Robert Greene made important contributions to the development of comedy. Lyly's courtly comedies, such as Endymion and Campaspe, were notable for their wit, elegance, and allegorical content, appealing to the tastes of the elite. Greene's works, including The Honorable History of Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay, combined humor with romance, magic, and folklore, helping to shape the genre of romantic comedy that would flourish in later years. 5. Paving the Way for Shakespeare: Although Shakespeare is often credited with perfecting English drama, it was the University Wits who laid the groundwork for his success. Their Innovations in language, structure, character, and genre provided Shakespeare with the tools he would use to create his masterpieces. Marlowe, in particular, had a profound influence on Shakespeare, as seen in Shakespeare's early history plays and tragedies. Without the experimental work of the Wits, the flourishing of Elizabethan and Jacobean drama would not have been possible. Conclusion: The University Wits were pivotal in transforming English drama from a relatively rudimentary form into a sophisticated, varied, and popular art. By introducing classical themes, developing complex characters, employing blank verse, and expanding the range of dramatic genres, they laid the foundations for the golden age of English theatre. Their works influenced their contemporaries, particularly William Shakespeare, and ensured that English drama became one of the most vibrant and enduring literary traditions in the world. \*\*\*\*\*