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Introductory NoteIntroductory Note
Introductory Note
The precise date of "Edward II" has not been determined, but it is
generally and plausibly assigned to 1590-91. The historical basis for the plot
Marlowe found in the Chronicles of Fabyan, Stow, and Holinshed, especially the
last. In its treatment of the facts of history, this play is a typical example
of the class of drama known as the "chronicle history," which flourished in
the last two decades of the sixteenth century, and culminated in Shakespeare`s
"Henry IV" and "Henry V." While the order of events in history determines for
the most part the succession of scenes, the author condenses, omits,
elaborates, and re - arranges in order to gain dramatic effectiveness, and to
bring out the character of Edward and the results of his weakness. Thus the
action covers a historical period of some twenty - two years, though no such
stretch of time is suggested by the play; the military operations in Ireland
and Scotland, and especially the battle of Bannockburn, are antedated in order
to connect them with Gaveston, who was, in fact, dead before any of them
occurred; and the adherence of Spencer to the king is made to follow
immediately, instead of several years, after the death of the earlier
favorite.
Yet, with all this freedom in the handling of details, Marlowe succeeds
in giving a substantially true, as well as a powerfully affecting, picture of
the character and fate of Edward II. The play is the ripest and most masterly
of Marlowe`s productions, showing in the delineation of character, the
construction of the plot and the freedom and variety of the verse, a striking
advance over his earlier work. Nowhere else does he rival so closely his great
successor, Shakespeare.
"The reluctant pangs of abdicating Royalty in Edward furnished hints
which Shakespeare scarcely improved in his `Richard the Second`; and the death
- scene of Marlowe`s King moves pity and terror beyond any scene, ancient or
modern, with which I am acquainted."
Charles Lamb.
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