Why Are Ben Jonson and Christopher Marlowe Less Known Than Shakespeare?

The relative obscurity of playwrights like Ben Jonson and Christopher Marlowe compared to William Shakespeare can be attributed to several interconnected factors that have shaped the cultural landscape of English literature and theater.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Shakespeare's Influence:

Shakespeare's work has had an enormous cultural impact, shaping the English language and literature. His plays have been adapted into countless films, operas, and other media, ensuring their continued relevance. Major works like 'Hamlet,' 'Macbeth,' and 'Romeo and Juliet' have become cornerstones of popular culture and academic study.

Universality and Themes:

Shakespeare's exploration of universal themes like love, power, jealousy, and ambition resonates across cultures and eras, making his work more accessible and appealing to a broad audience. These timeless themes transcend time and place, allowing Shakespeare's plays to remain vital and engaging even centuries after their creation.

Volume and Variety of Work

Prolific Output:

Shakespeare wrote a greater number of plays—approximately 39—than Jonson (about 20) or Marlowe (7). This extensive repertoire allows for a wider selection of works that can be studied and performed. The sheer volume of his corpus makes it easier for educational and theatrical institutions to promote his works over Jonson and Marlowe's.

Diverse Genres:

Shakespeare's plays cover a range of genres, including tragedies, comedies, histories, and romances. This diversity provides something for everyone, making it easier for institutions and audiences to find a place for his works. In contrast, Jonson and Marlowe are more closely associated with specific styles or themes, limiting their appeal in certain contexts.

Theatrical Popularity

Performance Tradition:

Shakespeare's plays were popular in his time and have remained staples in theater repertoires. The continued performance of his works has solidified his status in the canon. From the Globe Theatre to modern stages, Shakespeare's plays are regularly performed, further embedding them in popular culture.

Cinematic Adaptations:

The film industry has frequently adapted Shakespeare's plays, further embedding them in popular culture and making them more accessible to contemporary audiences. Titles like 'West Side Story,' 'Sunrise at Campobello,' and 'Much Ado About Nothing' have brought Shakespeare to new viewers through the medium of cinema.

Educational Focus

Curriculum Choices:

Educational systems often prioritize Shakespeare in literature classes due to his prominence and perceived importance. This can overshadow other playwrights, leading to less exposure to Jonson and Marlowe in academic settings. Institutional focus on Shakespeare can inadvertently limit the exploration of other talented playwrights.

Critical Studies:

There is a vast body of scholarly work focused on Shakespeare, which can create a feedback loop where more study leads to increased visibility and importance. This scholarly attention often reinforces the canonical status of Shakespeare's works, further marginalizing his contemporaries.

Historical Context and Reputation

Contemporary Reputation:

During their lifetimes, Jonson and Marlowe were well-regarded, but their reputations have not endured in the same way. Jonson's focus on classical forms and Marlowe's more limited output have contributed to their lesser prominence. Their historical context and the shifting priorities of literary criticism have played a significant role in shaping their legacy.

Shakespeare's Unique Position:

Shakespeare's ability to blend poetic language with engaging drama, along with his innovative character development, has set him apart as a unique figure in literary history. His skillful writing and profound influence have cemented his place as a cultural icon, surpassing his contemporaries in terms of enduring popularity and academic importance.

Conclusion

While Shakespeare is often considered the pinnacle of English literature, the relative obscurity of playwrights like Ben Jonson and Christopher Marlowe can be attributed to a combination of cultural impact, prolific output, theatrical popularity, educational focus, and historical context. Although their works remain valuable and worthy of attention, the continued dominance of Shakespeare in academic and popular culture has contributed to their lesser prominence.