University Wits and Early Renaissance
Writers
The Rise of the University Wits
In the late 16th century, a group of young writers emerged in England, known as the University
Wits. These writers, all educated at Oxford and Cambridge, revolutionized English literature with
their innovative styles, witty dialogue, and satirical themes.
Who were the University Wits?
The core group consisted of six writers: Christopher Marlowe, Robert Greene, Thomas Nashe,
Thomas Lodge, Stephen Gosson, and Thomas Watson. They were known for their intellectual
curiosity, linguistic experimentation, and rebellious spirits.
Christopher Marlowe: The Iconoclast
Marlowe's works, such as "Tamburlaine the Great" and "Doctor Faustus," exemplified the
University Wits' style. His writing was characterized by blank verse, a type of poetry that ignored
traditional rhyme and meter. Marlowe's use of blank verse created a sense of natural speech,
making his characters' dialogue more relatable and engaging.
"I count religion but a childish toy, And hold there is no sin but ignorance."
Christopher Marlowe, "The Jew of Malta"
Robert Greene: The Rival
Greene, a rival of Marlowe's, wrote plays like "The Scottish History of James IV" and "The
Comical History of Alphonsus, King of Aragon." His works showcased the University Wits'
fascination with language games, where words and meanings were manipulated for comedic
effect.
"I am not as I seem to be, A morally good man, but a thespian, A player of parts, a juggler of
words."
Robert Greene, "The Defence of Conny-Catching"
Thomas Nashe: The Satirist
Nashe's writings, such as "The Unfortunate Traveller" and "Summer's Last Will and Testament,"
epitomized the University Wits' love of satire. He used wordplay and absurdity to critique
societal norms and politics.
Writers
The Rise of the University Wits
In the late 16th century, a group of young writers emerged in England, known as the University
Wits. These writers, all educated at Oxford and Cambridge, revolutionized English literature with
their innovative styles, witty dialogue, and satirical themes.
Who were the University Wits?
The core group consisted of six writers: Christopher Marlowe, Robert Greene, Thomas Nashe,
Thomas Lodge, Stephen Gosson, and Thomas Watson. They were known for their intellectual
curiosity, linguistic experimentation, and rebellious spirits.
Christopher Marlowe: The Iconoclast
Marlowe's works, such as "Tamburlaine the Great" and "Doctor Faustus," exemplified the
University Wits' style. His writing was characterized by blank verse, a type of poetry that ignored
traditional rhyme and meter. Marlowe's use of blank verse created a sense of natural speech,
making his characters' dialogue more relatable and engaging.
"I count religion but a childish toy, And hold there is no sin but ignorance."
Christopher Marlowe, "The Jew of Malta"
Robert Greene: The Rival
Greene, a rival of Marlowe's, wrote plays like "The Scottish History of James IV" and "The
Comical History of Alphonsus, King of Aragon." His works showcased the University Wits'
fascination with language games, where words and meanings were manipulated for comedic
effect.
"I am not as I seem to be, A morally good man, but a thespian, A player of parts, a juggler of
words."
Robert Greene, "The Defence of Conny-Catching"
Thomas Nashe: The Satirist
Nashe's writings, such as "The Unfortunate Traveller" and "Summer's Last Will and Testament,"
epitomized the University Wits' love of satire. He used wordplay and absurdity to critique
societal norms and politics.
