Renaissance writers

Uncover the fascinating, colourful lives of Renaissance writers including John Donne, Ben Jonson and Christopher Marlowe, and explore key features and themes in their groundbreaking plays and poetry.

Christopher Marlowe: The man, the myth and the mighty line

Article by:: Andrew Dickson

Andrew Dickson looks at the infamous mysteries and controversies surrounding Christopher Marlowe's life, and celebrates the ambition, daring and skill of his work.

‘Make me new’: the multiple reinventions of John Donne

Article by:: Andrew Dickson

John Donne's work includes passionate and explicit love poems and intense religious meditations. Andrew Dickson explores the poet's many identities, from Catholic child to Protestant adult, from womaniser to devoted husband, and from trainee lawyer, secretary and Member of Parliament to Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral.

‘O Rare Ben Jonson!’

Article by:: Andrew Dickson

Ben Jonson went from a classically educated schoolboy to an apprentice bricklayer and solider, before becoming one of the 17th-century's most eminent playwrights and poets. Andrew Dickson recounts Jonson's eventful life, and how his success was often marred by a difficult relationship with alcohol, with fellow playwrights and actors, and with theatre itself.

An introduction to Doctor Faustus: morality and sin

Article by:: Eric Rasmussen, Ian DeJong

Eric Rasmussen and Ian DeJong explore the ambiguities and dualities of Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus.

An introduction to Edward II

Article by:: Martin Wiggins

The complex portrayal of Edward II’s love for his male favourite Gaveston has fascinated audiences for centuries. Here Martin Wiggins discusses the play’s depiction of same-sex love, homophobia, power and tragedy.

A close reading of 'The Flea'

Article by:: Aviva Dautch

The suitor in 'The Flea' enviously describes the creature that ‘sucks’ on his mistress’s skin and intermingles its fluids with hers. Here Aviva Dautch explores images of eroticism, death, guilt and innocence in John Donne's poem.

John Donne and metaphysical poetry

Article by:: Michael Donkor

Michael Donkor explains what makes John Donne a metaphysical poet, and looks at the creative and distinctive ways in which Donne used metaphysical techniques.

‘I am every dead thing’: John Donne and death

Article by:: Andrew Dickson

Andrew Dickson explores John Donne's fascination with death as a literary, philosophical and emotional subject, and examines its presence in his poetry and treatises.

A close reading of Donne’s ‘Song: Go and catch a falling star’

Article by:: Toby Litt

Toby Litt shows how Donne creates a mischievous relationship with his readers, as the poem builds energy and plays around with time and space.

An introduction to The Alchemist: the artist and the con

Article by:: Eric Rasmussen, Ian DeJong

Eric Rasmussen and Ian DeJong introduce Ben Jonson's The Alchemist, which combines self-conscious theatricality with sharp satire.

Directing Ben Jonson’s The Alchemist

Article by:: Polly Findlay

Polly Findlay discusses the challenges of directing Ben Jonson's play, The Alchemist.

An introduction to Volpone

Article by:: Sean McEvoy

Sean McEvoy explores Ben Jonson's Volpone, looking at Jonson's daring, unique brand of comedy and the play's treatment of money, greed and morality.

Key features of Renaissance culture

Article by:: Andrew Dickson

Andrew Dickson follows the progress of the Renaissance through Europe, and examines the educational, religious, artistic and geographical developments that shaped culture during the period.

An introduction to The Duchess of Malfi

Article by:: Michael Billington

Michael Billington explores the source material for The Duchess of Malfi and the play's reception over the last 200 years, and argues that Webster uses the tragedy to offer a vision of human existence as chaotic and unstable.

The Duchess of Malfi and Renaissance women

Article by:: Dympna Callaghan

The Duchess of Malfi is an unusual central figure for a 17th-century tragedy not only because she is a woman, but also because, as a woman, she combines virtue with powerful sexual desire. Dympna Callaghan places Webster's character in the context of contemporary drama, politics and discourses about widows and female sexuality.

An introduction to the poetry of Aemilia Lanyer

Article by:: Christina Luckyj

Aemilia Lanyer was one of the first Englishwomen to publish a volume of original verse. Christina Luckyj analyses her long religious poem Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum, the bittersweet ode 'The Description of Cooke-ham' and the ways in which Lanyer presents herself as a poet.

Subversive theatre in Renaissance England

Article by:: Eric Rasmussen, Ian DeJong

Eric Rasmussen and Ian De Jong investigate the subversive potential of Renaissance theatre.

Discovering Literature: Shakespeare & Renaissance