Edward II

Unlike Marlowe's earlier dramas, "Edward II" is a play without a starring role. Instead of the splendid rhetoric of "Tamburlaine" and "The Jew of Malta" comes realistic dialogue and a complex plot telling of the fall of Edward II and the rise and demise of his rival, Mortimer. As the action unfolds, the audience's allegiances switch from character to character. Edward's infatuation with his favourites, neglect of his kingdom and his queen are delicately offset against his genuine love for Gaveston. Mortimer's initial motives of usurping Edward are corrupted by self-interest that rightly earns him the title of 'traitor'. Though Marlowe treats the historical facts 'imaginatively', he achieves his end of emotional authenticity in Edward II.