Edward II

Upon reading Edward II in today's society, one can gain a lot of perspective, knowledge and emotion, because of its social and political relevance to today's issues. Specifically, the issue of homosexuality and the vastness of acceptance that it entails. What struck me most about this Renaissance piece is just how relevant it is to today's society. It definitely makes one wonder just how much society has grown and evolved in terms of acceptance and tolerance, seeing as many of the attitudes in this play reflect those of American society's current state. The people opposed to Gaveston and Edward's relationship are either in denial of love themselves or close-minded and cruel. This play is still relevant to one of the biggest issues in society today, and should thus be continued to be read, because it educates others and provides a voice for an issue that should not be turned away.

Continuing on the idea of the current relevance of the play, Edward II, in the first half that has been read, is as much of a love story as Romeo and Juliet. Its two main characters are entangled in a forbidden love. It has all the elements of a love story - one of the characters being so blinded by love that it overtakes every emotion and responsibility. As Mortimer Senior puts it in scene 2, "Is it not strange that he is thus bewitched," referring to Edwad's infatuation with Gaveston. Marlowe does a wonderful job at portraying the blindness of love and the absurd emotions and actions that come with it, regardless of the orientation of the lovers involved. Love is portrayed as pure and unconditional, and as helpless as ever. It so far seems to be a play holding true emotions and issues connected to every individual in some way.