The Elizabethan Era is one of remembrance for an abundant amount of reasons, such as the forms of leisure, various explorations, and even the medical field. However, two of the most prevalent aspects of Elizabethan culture are the advancement of literature and theatre, of which famous writers such as Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare made their appearance. Though Marlowe had a premature death, his lyrical gift in his dramas and poetry serve as an influence to other exceptional writers of his time including Shakespeare. However, through Shakespeare’s intricate development and implementation of his own ideas, Shakespeare possesses posterity that is superior to that of Marlowe. A critical characteristic that makes Shakespeare superior …show more content…
Shakespeare’s themes applying to all audiences derives from the idea that each generation perceives his works differently. For instance, readers in today’s society often say Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet presents the theme of following one’s heart is more important than following tradition. However, this theme would have never been accepted back in the Elizabethan Era when there was a code of chivalry and one’s reputation was of much importance. The people of the Renaissance had different values that made their perception of Shakespeare’s works different than that of modern day society. However, according to the Marlowe society, Christopher Marlowe’s plays were the “product of the time that he lived in” (Scott, 1). In Doctor Faustus, readers see his resistance to Catholicism and religion in general considering Faustus’ inexorable faithlessness, but this resistance is not as relevant to most societies today because there are other aspects that determine one’s social