History Extra podcast Christopher Marlowe: life of the week
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Nov 25, 2025 Stephen Greenblatt, a literary historian and Harvard professor, dives into the fascinating life of Christopher Marlowe, a playwright shrouded in mystery. He discusses Marlowe's possible espionage ties, radical ideas from his Cambridge days, and his provocative themes in works like 'Tamburlaine' and 'Faustus'. Greenblatt reveals Marlowe's tumultuous relationship with Shakespeare, touching on their rivalry, admiration, and the dangerous circles Marlowe frequented. The discussion also explores the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Marlowe's untimely death.
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From Cobbler's Son To Cambridge Scholar
- Christopher Marlowe rose from a shoemaker's son to Cambridge-educated playwright, breaking sharply with his origins.
- His background shaped his fascination with characters who come from nothing and claw their way up.
Cambridge As A Crucible Of Radical Thought
- Cambridge exposed Marlowe to intense religious debate and radical ideas during the 1570s–80s.
- Those ideas, including proto-Unitarianism, deeply influenced his thinking and later works.
Evidence Of Secret Service Work
- Marlowe was likely recruited into Francis Walsingham's secret service, explaining absences that jeopardised his MA.
- Surviving letters from the Privy Council imply he served the state in undisclosed secret work.
