Christopher Marlowe

1564 - 1593

Life

Son of a shoemaker 2 months older than Shakespeare, but his

career ended as Shakespeare’s began Spy for the Elizabethan Government Involved in much illegal activity – arrested for a

street fight that involved the murder of a man Stabbed in a restaurant brawl and died

Education

Scholarship to King’s School in Canterbury

Cambridge University Wrote many plays and pamphlets, most

known for poetry

Poetry

Used Ovid’s (Roman poet)poetry as an inspiration

Erotic – Bishop of London ordered his books burned

Poems are tragedies Seems to be about men who are power

hungry and refuse to recognize their responsibilities

The Passionate Shepherd to his Love

About a shepherd who promises his love that:• The country is full of pleasures

• He makes a list of things he will make for her• Ex: a cap of flowers

• Promises that shepherds will dance and sing for her delight each May morning.

Many poets have responded to this poem

Sir Walter Raleigh

1552 - 1618

Life

Wealthy, well dressed, arrogant Queen Elizabeth’s confidential secretary and

captain of her guard. One of the first to smoke tobacco and grow

potatoes Made many enemies King James accused him of treason and he

was sentenced to death in 1603, but did not get executed until 1618.

Poetry

Published few poems

Did not consider himself a writer

Response to Marlowe

The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd• Nymph says not every shepherd tells the truth

• She paints a realistic view of the gifts (rivers rage and flowers fade)

• She might consider his request if youth and love lasted forever

Project

Males – you will choose a topic to pattern your poem after “The Passionate Shepherd to His Love” on p 233• Title: “The _______ _______ to _______”

• Should be 6 stanzas of 4lines each (24 lines total)

• Should follow aabb rhyme scheme

• Should include 1 metaphysical conceit Due Thursday – February 25

Project Continued

Females – February 26th I will pair you with a male and you will respond to their poem• Title: The _______ reply to the _______.

• Must be 6 stanzas of 4 lines each

• Rhyme scheme aabb

• Use 1 metaphysical conceit

Due Thursday March 4

Project Continued

Together you will present your poem• You will create a plan, decide on props, make

backgrounds, etc. March 8 & 9

• You will rehearse March 10

• Presentations will be March 11 & 12

Please note most of the poem will have to be written outside of class – we will continue to work on poetry and begin your reading for research.