Introduction to the University Wits
The term "University Wits" refers to a group of late 16th-century English playwrights and pamphleteers who were educated at Oxford or Cambridge. They played a crucial role in the development of Elizabethan drama, bridging the gap between medieval morality plays and the sophisticated works of Shakespeare. The most prominent members included John Lyly, George Peele, Robert Greene, Thomas Nashe, Thomas Lodge, Christopher Marlowe, and Thomas Kyd (though Kyd did not attend university).
Characteristics of the University Wits
Classical Influence: They incorporated classical themes, structures, and rhetorical styles from Greek and Roman literature.
Blank Verse: Christopher Marlowe popularized mighty lines in blank verse, elevating English drama.
Diverse Genres: They experimented with comedy, tragedy, history, and romance.
Sophisticated Language: Their works featured elaborate wit, wordplay, and rich imagery.
Key Contributions
John Lyly (1554–1606): Known for Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit (1578), which introduced an ornate, artificial prose style called Euphuism.
Christopher Marlowe (1564–1593): A revolutionary tragedian who wrote Tamburlaine the Great, Doctor Faustus, and The Jew of Malta, pioneering psychological depth in drama.
Robert Greene (1558–1592): Wrote Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay and was known for his romantic comedies.
Thomas Kyd (1558–1594): Authored The Spanish Tragedy, an early revenge tragedy that influenced Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Legacy
The University Wits laid the foundation for Shakespeare and Jacobean dramatists. Their works transitioned English theatre from amateur performances to professional, literary drama. Marlowe’s dynamic protagonists and Lyly’s witty dialogues shaped Elizabethan literature, making them indispensable in the study of early modern English drama.
Their innovations in characterization, verse, and genre helped establish the golden age of English literature, culminating in Shakespeare’s masterpieces.