Elizabethan to Jacobean Drama: Definition, Aroused, and Relation with English Literature -- englit.in
The name of the Elizabethan age was derived from the Tudor Monarch of England, Queen Elizabeth I, whose reign lasted from 1558 to 1603. During this age, several important dramatists emerged, including William Shakespeare ("Hamlet"), Christopher Marlowe ("Doctor Faustus"), Ben Jonson ("Volpone"), Thomas Kyd ("The Spanish Tragedy"), and John Webster ("The Duchess of Malfi"). This period is renowned for significant accomplishments such as those by Sir Francis Drake.
Sir Francis Drake (circa 1540–1596) was an English explorer, sea captain, and privateer. He is best known for his circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580, making him the second person to complete this journey, after Ferdinand Magellan. Drake was also a key figure in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. In 1572, he set sail on his first independent mission, privateering along the Spanish Main. Elizabeth I awarded Drake a knighthood in 1581 which he received aboard his galleon the Golden Hind.
The "Renaissance" period developed during this age. The term "Renaissance" comes from the French word for "rebirth" and was first used in the 19th century by historians and scholars to describe this period of cultural revival in Europe. The term was popularized by the Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt in his 1860 work, "The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy." Burckhardt characterized the Renaissance as a distinct period of European history that marked the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the modern world, emphasizing a revival of classical antiquity and humanistic values.
Before Burckhardt, earlier writers such as Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century had described a "rinascita" (Italian for rebirth) of the arts and learning, recognizing the significant cultural changes taking place. However, it was Burckhardt's use of the French term "Renaissance" that became widely accepted and is still used today to describe this transformative era.
Additionally, the Renaissance was a cultural, artistic, and intellectual revival that began in Italy in the 14th century and spread across Europe until the 17th century. It marked the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity, characterized by a renewed interest in classical antiquity, humanism, scientific exploration, and artistic innovation.
The dramatic genre gained fame through playwrights including William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, Thomas Kyd, and John Webster. The Elizabethan Era is often called "The Age of Shakespeare." This era, from 1558 to 1603, is renowned for its flourishing of English literature, particularly drama, with William Shakespeare being the most prominent playwright of the time. The period is characterized by the rise of the English Renaissance, significant developments in the arts, and the expansion of English influence globally.
The first comedy in English is "Ralph Roister Doister," a play written by Nicholas Udall around 1552. It is considered one of the earliest English comedies and represents a significant step in the development of English Renaissance drama. The play is noted for its lively characters and humorous plot, revolving around the boastful Ralph Roister Doister and his attempts to woo the widow Christian Custance.
The first English tragedy to use blank verse was "Gorboduc," written by Thomas Norton and Thomas Sackville in 1561. The play tells the story of the legendary British King Gorboduc and the disastrous consequences of his decision to divide his kingdom between his two sons, leading to civil strife and ultimately the downfall of his family and kingdom.
Tragedy is a genre of drama identified by serious themes and situations, often involving abnormal circumstances. It typically involves a heroic movement in the play. One of the most influential tragedies is "Hamlet," written by William Shakespeare around 1600. "Hamlet" tells the story of Prince Hamlet of Denmark, who seeks revenge against his uncle, Claudius, for murdering his father, marrying his mother, and usurping the throne. The play explores motifs of madness, revenge, mortality, and the complexity of human emotion. Its exploration of existential questions and its rich, complex characters make "Hamlet" a cornerstone of English literature and one of Shakespeare's most enduring works.
Comedy, derived from the Old French word "Komedia," refers to a play with a long story that ends happily, often with a marriage. "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (1975) is famous for its absurd and satirical take on the Arthurian legend. Its humor is characterized by surreal sketches, clever wordplay, and a disregard for traditional storytelling, creating an unpredictable and hilarious experience. Its influence on comedy is profound, inspiring countless comedic works.
An important comedy by William Shakespeare is "A Midsummer Night's Dream," which shows a complex interweaving of romantic entanglements and magical interventions.
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