Marlowe's Edward II

With the exception of Dr. Faustus, Edward II is Christopher Marlowe's most frequently performed play. It is one of the earliest English historical dramas and portrays the deposition of Edward II. Many critics have noted the homosexual undertones of this and others of Marlowe's plays, and used this to question his sexuality. The play remains relevant for reasons beyond what it says about its author, though. The reign of Edward II was not considered to be a particularly significant moment in English history, but Marlowe managed to draw out and accentuate the drama in the historical details.