NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
Edward II Christopher Marlowe's play Edward II is based on the historical account of King Edward II of England losing his throne and life, at the beginning of 14 th century, due to his lack of statement ship talent. Author describes King as being absolutely deprived of the sense of duty to his country, which results in his ultimate downfall. In recent times, Marlowe's play is being discussed as something that promotes the idea of civil rights, because Edward II is portrayed as passive homosexual. This, of course, is ridiculous idea. Author leaves no doubt about his negative attitude towards sexual perversion.
The relationship between King and Gaveston is represented as something unnatural; therefore, the tragic outcome of the play is shown as the logical consequence of the head of state pursuing his personal agendas, while neglecting his primary duties. This is the main idea of Marlowe's play. In it, author strives to convince viewers that only worthy individuals deserve the right to rule nations, because they know how to do what is necessary, instead of letting their emotions to define their act. Many critics associate Edwards stance against Mortimer with his desire to undermine the influence of Catholic Church in England. This is why they refer to him as being progressive individual, in contemporary sense of this word. To substantiate such point of view, they often quote Kings words from Act 1, Scene 4, when Edward expresses his anger with the fact that English nobility and representatives of Church require him to act as King, rather than allowing him to remain Gaveston's puppet: : How fast they run to banish him I love!
They would not stir, were it to do me good. Why should a King be subject to a priest? However, this modern interpretation of character of Edward II is clearly motivated by political Liberalism, which strives to legitimize spiritual depravity. Edward is not concerned about Church authorities mercilessly exploiting ordinary folks. It is only when Mortimer tries to convince him to break up with Gaveston that causes Kings alienation from the Church. Today we live in time when women gain more and more political influence, which is explained as something that came as a direct result of womens liberation movement.
However, this can also be explained by the fact that modern men are becoming more effeminate, while losing their ability to think and act in rational manner. Apparently, this process had started in 14 th century, as Marlowe shows us. Edward II is a typical White Liberal, who never gets tired of whining and complaining, as if this was giving him a pleasure. While political situation in England continues to deteriorate before his own eyes, Edward prefers to refrain from acting in decisive manner, which could have saved his life.
He adopts passive stance in life, which also explains his willingness to get it from the rear, while being one on one with Gaveston. Even Edwards physical appearance betrays him as someone who is not worthy of being a King. On the other hand, Marlowe describes Isabelle as truly exceptional woman. She loves Edward, but she loves England even more, which is why she is willing help the conspirators to overthrow her husband: Having brought the Earl of Cornwall on his way, Is new returned. This news will glad him much: Yet not so much as me. I love him more Than he can Gaveston: would he loved me But half so much!
Then were I treble blest. Isabella realized that Edward must be removed from the throne. This causes her to suffer, because she does not want to betray King, who considers her as being loyal. At the same time, she understands that the notions of conventional morality loose its value, in the time of political crisis. This is why she chooses to abandon her homosexual husband, whose physical attraction to Gaveston becomes the very reason of his ultimate demise. Isabelle represents feminine virtues, in how Marlowe viewed them.
Her character also shows us that in Medieval Europe women used to exercise much more socio-political power than it is being admitted now. Therefore, the idea of womens liberation is a myth. Margaret Thatcher, for example, was a housewife by trade; nevertheless, it did not prevent her to from becoming Britains most popular Prime Minister, because she always acted in manly manner. The same can be said about Isabelle. She is both: a loving woman and effective politician.
Edward, on the other hand, would be much better off wearing skirt. Therefore, we can say that the ultimate value of Marlowe's play is that he describes the incompatibility between physical appearance and psychological essence as something that is being defined by purely biological factors. Edward is simply incapable of changing his behavior, even though that he understands that destructive nature of his relationship with Gaveston. His homosexual and sadomasochistic tendencies are genetically predetermined. King admits that he would be glad to get rid of Gaveston, if he could. However, Edwards attraction to his lover is too strong: My heart is as an anvil unto sorrow, Which beats upon it like the Cyclops' hammers And makes me frantic for my Gaveston.
Ah, had some bloodless Fury rose from hell, And with my kingly sceptre struck me dead, When I was forced to leave my Gaveston! Thus, Marlowe's play does not promote tolerance towards sexual minorities, as some activists of Gay movement want us to think. Quite contrary Edward is the embodiment of unworthiness; therefore, it is quite impossible for normal people to feel any sympathy towards him. In time when Marlowe was writing his play, the spiritual depravity used to be referred to as something for what it really was.
This is why; the reign of degenerative monarchs in European countries never lasted for too long. It is the reason why these countries enjoyed an undisputed dominance, throughout the world, up until recently. Nowadays, the political activity of many European leaders comes as result of their hormonal inadequacy. It is absolutely normal today to have the representatives of sexual minorities being elected to Parliaments or to have them designing books for school children.
As a result, the process of European countries turning into the part of Third World gains momentum. The other reason for us to consider Marlowe's play as remarkable literary piece is that it contains a powerful political message. In Edward II author promotes the idea that removing government official with the mean of political plot, is justified for as long as there is no any other option to insure nations survival. England's nobility rebelled against Edward, because his policies were leading England to the abyss.
Mortimer did not have any other choice then to break his oath of allegiance. However, even though that author describes the process of conspiring against Kings authority as something dishonorable, on the part of Edwards adversaries, we do not despise conspirators, which would be the case if they were plotting to overthrow a worthy King. This explains the fact why Marlowe used to be Oliver Cromwell's favorite author. Therefore, we can refer to Edward II as the play that promote civil rights, although author sees these rights in the context of citizens being able to actively influence the government, rather then in the context of them being able to indulge in sexual perversions. It is very remarkable that governments in Western countries had legalized homosexuality, while striving to deprive citizens of their right to carry guns. To conclude this paper, we can say that, despite the attempts of hawks of political-correctness to misinterpret the meaning Marlowe's play, the true essence of his masterpiece will forever remain the same glorification of political freedom and the promotion of idea that sexual perversion has pathological nature.
Free research essays on topics related to: edward ii, sexual perversion, womens liberation, 14 th century, physical appearance
Research essay sample on 14 Th Century Womens Liberation
