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The term ‘University Wits’ is applied to a group of English Scholars who flourished in the Elizabethan age (1558-1603) under the influence of the Renaissance. The group was formed by some University scholars, especially from Oxford and Cambridge. They were highly cultivated literary figures who took writing as a profession.
The Note will cover the following questions:
- Who are the University Wits?
- Or, Write a short note on “University Wits”.
- Or, Who were the University Wits? Assess the contribution of the University Wits to the English drama.
Introduction to ‘University Wits’ and Contribution: They were particularly associated with the University of Cambridge and Oxford. The university wits consist of planets like Thomas Kyd, John Lyly, George Peele, Robert Greene, Thomas Lodge, and Thomas Nashe, which revolved around Christopher Marlowe, the central sun. They possess a special significance and directly influence Shakespeare (1564-1616). They were romantic in their attitude and represented the spirit of the Renaissance.
John Lyly (1554-1606): John Lyly contributed to the formation of English comedy. ‘The Woman in the Moon’, Galatea and Midas’ and Mother Bombie’ are his famous plays.
George Peele (1556-1596): George Peele was a translator, poet, and dramatist. His famous works are ”The Chronicle of King Edward I”, ”The Battle of Alcazar” and ”The Old Wives’ Tale”.
Thomas Kyd (1558-1594): Thomas Kyd, the author of ”The Spanish Tragedy,” influenced the development of Elizabethan drama.
Robert Greene (1558-1592): Robert Greene was very popular. ”Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay” and ”Orlando Furioso” were his greatest popular successes.
Thomas Nashe (1567-1601): Thomas Nashe is considered the greatest of the English Elizabethan critics. He is best known for his novel ”The Unfortunate Traveller” in English literature.
Thomas Lodge (1558-1625): Thomas Lodge was a famous playwright. His famous plays are ”A Looking Glass for London” and ”The Wounds of Civil War”.
Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593): Christopher Marlowe was one of the most striking figures of the English Renaissance and the true founder of the popular English Drama. He has left behind powerful tragedies like ”Doctor Faustus”, Tamburlaine”, ” The Jew of Malta”, ”Edward II” etc.
In conclusion, these university wits contributed greatly to the history of English literature and the development of English drama.
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