24 pages 48 minutes read

Christopher Marlowe

Edward II

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1593

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Important Quotes

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“The sight of London to my exiled eyes, is as Elysium to a new-come soul” 


(Act I, Scene 1 , Page 2)

The reference to Elysium implies that after his exile, Gaveston sees London as a sort of Heaven. This makes sense in the context of his romantic relationship with the king. Elysium in myth was also a place for heroes, and Gaveston’s inflated sense of self may be another facet of his use of the name. 

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“Farewell base stooping to the lowly peers! My knee shall bow to none but to the king.” 


(Act I, Scene 1 , Page 2)

Gaveston clearly looks down on the common people. He views it as a base insult to count himself among them. Given the influence he wields over the king, this is an ominous sign that the priorities of the kingdom will go ignored. 

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“My father is deceased. Come Gaveston, and share the kingdom with thy dearest friend” 


(Act I, Scene 1 , Page 2)

The idea that a king shares a kingdom with its citizens should be heartening. It implies that the king is aware that he, too, is one of the people, not a deified symbol. But this is not what Edward means when he offers to share it with Gaveston. Edward sees the kingdom as a personal playground for himself and his friends.