Overview
Synopsis
The Tragedy of Edward II is the only history play written by Christopher Marlowe, and one of the earliest English history plays ever written. Marlowe tells the story of King Edward’s affection and rumored love affair with Piers Gaveston, an attendant in the royal household, exiled by Edward’s father for his influence over the young royal. When Edward II’s father dies, Gaveston returns, only to be banished again by the barons of England who see Gaveston as a threat to the stability and integrity of the throne. King Edward is despondent without Gaveston and desperate to have him back, which leaves the barons only one option: Kill Gaveston. Guided by Edward’s Queen Isabella, the She-Wolf of France, the barons undertake a campaign to return England to prosperity. But getting rid of Gaveston is only the beginning--after the Battle of Boroughbridge, the lines are drawn and the nobles of England must take sides. Are they in support of Edward II and his rule? Or will they join Queen Isabella and Prince Edward in claiming the crown? As one noble declares: “You must be proud, bold, pleasant, resolute, And now and then stab as occasion serves.” In Edward II, the play that established a genre for others (including Shakespeare) to follow, Marlowe creates complicated and compelling characters in a power struggle for the ages.
Show Information
- Book
- Christopher Marlowe
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 5
- First Produced
- 1592
- Genres
- Drama, Historical/Biographical, Tragedy
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- England, 1320s
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Large Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Theatre, Includes Adult, Early Teen, Late Teen, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Elderly Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
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Lead |
Male |
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Lead |
Male |
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Lead |
Female |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Either Gender |
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Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Formally giving up the throne and royal titles.
A description or declaration; a display on a coat-of-arms
A genre of play that is based on the narrative of true historical events and people, often considered a subgenre of tragedy.
A type of verse with ten syllables per line and syllables alternating between unstressed and stressed beats.
The right of succession that passes to the eldest son in a family line, which determines the inheritance of estates and royal or noble titles.
A play that centers around the downfall of the main character through tragic actions and events.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress