Member-only story

In Shakespeare's Shadow: Rediscovering the Lost Plays of the Elizabethan Era

Joseph Conrad

·17.5k Followers· Follow

Published in In Shakespeare S Shadow: A Rogue Scholar S Quest To Reveal The True Source Behind The World S Greatest Plays

6 min read · 2 weeks before

342 View Claps

21 Respond

Save

Listen

The Elizabethan era was a golden age for English literature, and William Shakespeare was its brightest star. His plays are still performed and studied all over the world, and his influence on English language and culture is immeasurable. But beyond the Bard's towering presence, there were many other talented playwrights who wrote plays that were just as popular and influential in their time.

These lost plays have been largely forgotten, but they are now being rediscovered and appreciated for their own unique qualities. They offer a glimpse into a vibrant and exciting period of English history, and they provide a valuable context for understanding Shakespeare's work.

In Shakespeare's Shadow: A Rogue Scholar's Quest to Reveal the True Source Behind the World's Greatest Plays

by Michael Blanding

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35394 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	617 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

One of the most important lost plays of the Elizabethan era is "The Spanish Tragedy" by Thomas Kyd. Written in 1589, it was one of the most popular plays of its time, and it is considered to be a major influence on Shakespeare's early tragedies, such as "Hamlet" and "Othello."

"The Spanish Tragedy" is a revenge tragedy that tells the story of Hieronimo, a Spanish nobleman whose son is murdered by the Portuguese prince, Lorenzo. Hieronimo vows to avenge his son's death, and he sets out on a bloody path of revenge that ultimately leads to his own destruction.

The play is full of suspense and violence, and it features some of the most memorable characters in Elizabethan drama. Hieronimo is a complex and tragic figure, and his descent into madness is both horrifying and heartbreaking. Lorenzo is a villain who is both charming and despicable, and his eventual punishment is both satisfying and poetic.

Another important lost play of the Elizabethan era is "Tamburlaine the Great" by Christopher Marlowe. Written in 1587, it was one of the first plays to be written in blank verse, and it is considered to be a major influence on Shakespeare's history plays, such as "Henry V" and "Richard III."

"Tamburlaine the Great" is a two-part play that tells the story of the rise and fall of the Scythian conqueror, Tamburlaine. Tamburlaine is a ruthless and ambitious warrior who conquers vast territories and defeats all who oppose him. But his success is ultimately his downfall, as he becomes corrupted by power and loses sight of his humanity.

The play is full of violence and spectacle, and it features some of the most iconic speeches in Elizabethan drama. Tamburlaine's "Mycetes' Speech" is a particularly famous example, in which he boasts of his conquests and declares himself to be "the scourge of God."

These are just two examples of the many lost plays of the Elizabethan era that are now being rediscovered and appreciated. These plays offer a valuable glimpse into a vibrant and exciting period of English history, and they provide a valuable context for understanding Shakespeare's work. As we continue to rediscover these lost plays, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Elizabethan era and its enduring legacy.

Rediscovering the Lost Plays

The rediscovery of the lost plays of the Elizabethan era has been a gradual process that has taken place over the past few centuries. In the 18th and 19th centuries, a number of scholars began to collect and publish these plays, and in the 20th century, there was a growing interest in performing them. Today, there are a number of theater companies that specialize in performing lost plays, and there is a growing audience for these works.

The rediscovery of the lost plays has been important for a number of reasons. First, it has allowed us to gain a more complete understanding of the Elizabethan era. These plays provide a glimpse into the popular culture of the time, and they offer a valuable context for understanding Shakespeare's work.

Second, the rediscovery of the lost plays has helped us to appreciate the diversity of Elizabethan drama. Shakespeare was a brilliant playwright, but he was not the only one. There were many other talented playwrights who wrote plays that were just as popular and influential in their time.

Third, the rediscovery of the lost plays has helped to inspire new generations of playwrights. These plays offer a rich source of material for contemporary playwrights, and they can help to inspire new works of art.

The Lost Plays and Shakespeare

The lost plays of the Elizabethan era have a significant relationship to Shakespeare's work. Many of these plays were performed in the same theaters as Shakespeare's plays, and they were often written by the same playwrights. As a result, Shakespeare was undoubtedly familiar with these plays, and they may have influenced his own work.

There are a number of similarities between the lost plays and Shakespeare's plays. For example, both types of plays often feature violence, revenge, and political intrigue. Both types of plays also use blank verse and other poetic devices.

However, there are also some important differences between the lost plays and Shakespeare's plays. For example, the lost plays are often more violent and sensationalistic than Shakespeare's plays. They also tend to be more episodic and less well-structured.

In Shakespeare's Shadow: A Rogue Scholar's Quest to Reveal the True Source Behind the World's Greatest Plays

by Michael Blanding

4.3 out of 5