The Elizabethan Social Context Of Christopher Marlowe's Play

Christopher Marlowe was born in 1564, during the Elizabethan reign (Healy:1994). Scott (2008) asserts that this greatly influenced Marlowe’s work, and that his plays are “the product of [that] time”. By focusing on the Elizabethan social context of The Jew of Malta in particular, and how it informed the play’s plot, style and themes this influence on Marlowe’s play can be confirmed.
Firstly, an overview of important historic events that led to the Elizabethan age is necessary to understand the influences on Marlowe’s work. After the death of Henry VIII, who was a devoted Catholic, he was succeeded by Edward VI. In contrast, Edward was a Protestant. When Edward died in 1553, his half-sister Mary was next in line for the throne. Contradicting her half-brother’s religion, Mary was an enthusiastic Catholic. It was her wish to heal England’s relations with Rome. In order to do so, she prosecuted Protestants who would not return to the Roman

As previously mentioned, some wealthy families were able to better their economic status due to social mobility. However, it was expected of these wealthy families to entertain the royal family when they visited their area. Entertaining on such a scale was costly for families who were recovering from an economic depression. Furthermore, gentry dressed in an extravagant manner, and decorated their homes in a similar way. Although it was a difficult task to achieve a high social rank, it was even more difficult to maintain this status. The political pressure to be in the queen’s favour led to the bankruptcy of many families. Marlowe asserts these occurrences within the downfall and self-destruction of Barabas. It serves as commentary on the Elizabethan gentry’s hunger for wealth and power; ultimately stating that this ambition could lead to one’s own self-defeat and downfall (Scott: 2008;