In addition, not only did Marlowe’s portrait of a weak, self-indulgent monarch inspire Shakespeare’s characterization of Richard II, but his method of using history showed his fellow playwright the way, making possible not only the three great Henry plays but the Roman plays as well. Not only is its treatment of passionate male friendship unique in Renaissance English Drama, but its plotting is exemplary, its rhetoric disciplined, its imagery restrained, and-perhaps its greatest achievement-it expertly summons a coherent historical vision, calling forth the essential events from a myriad of incidents in order to convey a few hard political truths. If you’re into Shakespeare and his contemporaries, or just want to try reading something different, Edward II is a must. I hesitate to say more because I want to avoid spoilers, but know that it’s an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride from beginning to end. “Off with his head!” is said many times, conspirators plot, wars are waged, torture devices are used-you know, all the typical ongoings of palace life.

Outside of the romance, there’s plenty of action to keep this a non-stop, high-stakes tragedy. Perhaps even more surprising-the gays aren’t villainous! Well, Gaveston does have a moment of drunk power, and Edward’s horniness causes unnecessary turmoil in the kingdom, but, by the end, we weep for the male lovers and have disdain for the usurping rebels.

I think it would be very hard to argue that Marlowe didn’t intend for these historical figures to be seen as intimate lovers. Imagine my surprise when something from the late 1500s is brave enough to go there quite openly. Prior to recent memory, most literature referencing gay love tends to be thickly veiled behind a wall of friendship, lest anyone consider it obscene. King Edward and Gaveston pine over each other as passionately as Romeo and Juliet, with lingering embraces, confessions of eternal devotion, and a willingness to die for true love. My instant obsession with this play is likely a result of Marlowe’s uninhibited lines expressing same-sex romance.

Edward II is just as good as Shakespeare’s finer histories, and clearly better than some of his worst. Christopher Marlow was, of course, one of Shakespeare’s rivals, and a worthy one at that. Marvelous! It’s been years since I binged on the complete works of Shakespeare, and I’d forgotten just how wonderful renaissance theater could be.

Edward ii marlowe full text