The University Wits and Their Contribution

The term University Wits refers to a group of young and talented English playwrights and poets who were educated at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge in the late 16th century. They played a crucial role in shaping English drama before William Shakespeare emerged as a dominant figure. Their works contributed to the development of Elizabethan drama by introducing complex characters, powerful language, and well-structured plots.

The main University Wits were Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Kyd, Robert Greene, John Lyly, Thomas Nashe, George Peele, and Thomas Lodge. These writers were among the first to move English drama away from the rigid medieval Morality plays and Mystery plays towards more sophisticated and entertaining forms of theatre.

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Features of the University Wits’ Drama

1. Use of Blank Verse – They popularized the use of unrhymed iambic pentameter (blank verse), which later became the dominant form of dramatic poetry, especially in Shakespearean drama.
2. Tragic Themes – Their plays often revolved around intense emotions, conflicts, and tragic heroes with great ambition.
3. Vivid and Imaginative Language – They used grand and poetic expressions, making their plays more engaging.
4. Well-Developed Characters – Their protagonists were often larger-than-life figures, such as Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine.
5. Action-Oriented and Fast-Paced Narratives – They focused on engaging plots filled with dramatic events, helping drama evolve from static medieval performances to dynamic plays.

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Major University Wits and Their Contributions

1. Christopher Marlowe (1564–1593)

Marlowe is considered the most influential among the University Wits. He perfected the use of blank verse and introduced ambitious characters driven by power and desire.

• Major Works:
• Tamburlaine the Great – A play about an ambitious shepherd who becomes a ruthless conqueror.
• Doctor Faustus – The story of a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power.
• The Jew of Malta – A revenge tragedy centered on the wealthy and cunning Barabas.
• Edward II – A historical play focusing on the downfall of the English king.

2. Thomas Kyd (1558–1594)

Kyd is best known for his revenge tragedy, which heavily influenced later playwrights, including Shakespeare.

• Major Work:
• The Spanish Tragedy – A powerful revenge play that introduced elements like the play within a play, which Shakespeare later used in Hamlet.

3. Robert Greene (1558–1592)

Greene was a versatile writer known for his romantic comedies and prose works. He was also a harsh critic of Shakespeare, referring to him as an "upstart crow" in one of his writings.

• Major Works:
• Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay – A romantic play blending magic, love, and comedy.
• Orlando Furioso – A play based on the Italian epic poem of the same name.

4. John Lyly (1554–1606)

Lyly specialized in courtly and sophisticated dramas, often filled with wit and elegance. His style, known as Euphuism, influenced later writers, including Shakespeare.

• Major Works:
• Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit – A prose work famous for its elaborate and ornamental style.
• Campaspe – A comedy based on Alexander the Great’s love for a beautiful woman.
• Endymion – A mythological play that explores themes of love and beauty.

5. Thomas Nashe (1567–1601)

Nashe was known for his satirical writing and contribution to prose fiction.

• Major Work:
• Summer’s Last Will and Testament – A play filled with allegory and social criticism.

6. George Peele (1556–1596)

Peele wrote plays that combined history, comedy, and mythology. His works were known for their poetic beauty.

• Major Works:
• The Arraignment of Paris – A mythological play that glorifies Queen Elizabeth I.
• The Old Wives’ Tale – A play that uses humor and fantasy elements.

7. Thomas Lodge (1558–1625)

Lodge was a poet, playwright, and prose writer who contributed to early English fiction.

• Major Work:
• Rosalynde – A prose romance that later inspired Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

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Contribution of the University Wits

1. Improvement of English Drama – They transformed English theatre from simple medieval plays to more artistic and engaging drama.
2. Establishment of Blank Verse – Marlowe and others popularized blank verse, which became the standard for English plays.
3. Introduction of Complex Characters – They created powerful protagonists with strong ambitions, flaws, and emotions.
4. Development of Tragic Drama – Their tragedies laid the foundation for Shakespearean and Jacobean drama.
5. Influence on Shakespeare – Many elements in Shakespeare’s plays, including complex villains, poetic dialogues, and tragic conflicts, were inspired by the University Wits.

The University Wits played a significant role in shaping English drama. Their works influenced later playwrights, including Shakespeare, and helped create the golden age of English theatre. Studying their contributions gives students a deeper understanding of the evolution of English literature.