The Works of Christopher Marlowe, Vol. 3 (of 3)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21262

Title

The Works of Christopher Marlowe, Vol. 3 (of 3)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume presents the complete poem 'Hero and Leander,' begun by Christopher Marlowe and finished by George Chapman, alongside a collection of epigrams by John Davies. The text explores themes of divine beauty, fatal love, and the power of fate, set against the backdrop of classical mythology and Elizabethan literary culture.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume III of Christopher Marlowe's collected works, edited by A. H. Bullen, presents a poignant preservation of the playwright's unfinished masterpiece, *Hero and Leander*, alongside a collection of satirical epigrams and a dramatic fragment detailing Marlowe's death. The volume opens with an extensive introduction by the editor, tracing the publication history of *Hero and Leander* from its initial 1598 release to later editions completed by George Chapman. The poem itself is a lush, classical narrative set against the Hellespont, contrasting the cities of Sestos and Abydos. It introduces Hero, a figure of such transcendent beauty that nature itself weeps for her perfection, and Leander, a youth of equal magnificence. Their romance ignites within the temple of Venus, where Leander's gaze instantly captivates Hero. However, their union is threatened by the 'wrath of Fates,' foreshadowing the tragic destiny that will separate them. The text is rich with vivid imagery, describing Hero's attire of lawn and silk and Leander's flawless physique, elevating their love to a mythic plane. Following the poem, the volume shifts tone with a series of biting satirical epigrams by John Davies. These verses mock various social types and professions prevalent in late 16th-century England. Davies targets the dishonest lawyer Crassus, whose lies are so brazen they go unpunished; the idle Fuscus, trapped in a monotonous cycle of theater and taverns; and the gullible melancholy gentleman, who ignores global political turmoil to obsess over fashion and petty concerns. Other epigrams ridicule the rumor-monger Afer, the gambler Paulus, and the student Publius, who abandons his legal studies for the filth of bear-baiting. These pieces serve as a sharp commentary on the vanity, credulity, and moral decay of the era. The collection concludes with a powerful dramatic fragment depicting the death of Christopher Marlowe. In this scene, his friend Middleton mourns the loss of a literary giant, lamenting that the world remains ignorant of Marlowe's true greatness while a 'caitiff' destroys him. The character Jacconot, likely a stand-in for Marlowe or a caricature of his final days, defiantly faces execution, railing against the law and his betrayers. The scene is interrupted by Cecilia, who rushes in to confirm his death, expressing her profound grief and realizing the depth of her love only as he fades. This tragic ending not only preserves Marlowe's final words but also immortalizes the sudden end of a genius, leaving a lasting legacy of sorrow and admiration for his work.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Poetry