Jacobean drama is a form of drama that was written and performed during the reign of King James I of England (1603-1625). It is often considered to be a golden age of English drama, and many of the greatest English playwrights of all time, including William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, and John Webster, were active during this time.
Jacobean drama is characterized by its dark and cynical tone, reflecting the political and social turmoil of the time. The era was marked by religious conflict, the Gunpowder Plot, and the Thirty Years’ War. This turmoil is reflected in the works of Jacobean playwrights, who often explored themes of violence, revenge, and corruption.
Here is a list of Jacobean dramatists, in alphabetical order:
- William Alabaster
- Thomas Dekker
- John Fletcher
- George Chapman
- George Peele
- Thomas Heywood
- Ben Jonson
- John Marston
- Thomas Middleton
- Philip Massinger
- Cyril Tourneur
- John Webster
- Thomas Heywood
- Thomas Killigrew
- Henry Chettle
- Henry Porter
- John Day
- John Ford
- Francis Beaumont
- William Rowley
Here is a timeline of some of the most notable Jacobean dramatists, in chronological order:
- 1564: William Shakespeare
- 1572: Ben Jonson
- 1576: John Marston
- 1579: John Fletcher
- 1580: John Webster and Thomas Middleton
- 1583: Philip Massinger
- 1585: Francis Beaumont
- 1596: James Shirley
Here are some of the most notable Jacobean plays by each dramatist:
- William Shakespeare: Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, The Tempest
- Ben Jonson: Volpone, The Alchemist, Bartholomew Fair
- John Marston: The Malcontent, The Dutch Courtesan
- John Fletcher: The Maid’s Tragedy, A King and No King, Philaster
- John Webster: The Duchess of Malfi, The White Devil
- Thomas Middleton: The Changeling, A Trick to Catch the Old One
- Philip Massinger: A New Way to Pay Old Debts, The City Madam
- Francis Beaumont: The Maid’s Tragedy, A King and No King, Philaster
- James Shirley: The Cardinal, The Changes, Hyde Park
Jacobean drama is also known for its complex plots, its use of heightened language, and its focus on character development. Jacobean playwrights were also masters of stagecraft, and their plays often made use of elaborate costumes, sets, and special effects.
Jacobean drama had a profound influence on later writers, and its themes and techniques can still be seen in the work of playwrights today. Jacobean plays are still regularly performed all over the world, and they continue to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
Here are some of the key characteristics of Jacobean drama:
- Dark and cynical tone: Jacobean drama is often characterized by its dark and cynical tone, reflecting the political and social turmoil of the time.
- Complex plots: Jacobean plays often have complex plots, with multiple subplots and twists and turns.
- Heightened language: Jacobean playwrights often use heightened language, with elaborate speeches and metaphors.
- Focus on character development: Jacobean playwrights often focus on character development, exploring the motivations and complexities of their characters.
- Emphasis on stagecraft: Jacobean plays often make use of elaborate costumes, sets, and special effects.
Jacobean drama is a rich and diverse tradition, and it continues to be enjoyed and studied by audiences and scholars today.tunesharemore_vertadd_photo_alternatemicsend_spark
