Classifying Early Modern Sexuality: Christopher Marlowe, Edward II, and the Politics of Sexuality

Authors

Michael John Lee, Columbia Basin College

Publication Date

2013

Keywords

sexuality, Christopher Marlowe, gender expectations

Abstract

This paper argues that Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II (1594) questions gender expectations and sexuality. The analysis finds that the same-sex attraction and affective relationship that develops between King Edward and Gaveston can be seen as neither simply sodomy nor exclusively as male friendship. Instead, the emotional bonds and marriage-like relationship between the king and his minion suggest that their identities are, in part, formed by their same-sex attraction.

Recommended Citation

Lee, Michael John (2013) "Classifying Early Modern Sexuality: Christopher Marlowe, Edward II, and the Politics of Sexuality," Quidditas: Vol. 34, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/rmmra/vol34/iss1/5