Edward II "How fast they run to banish him I love! They would not stir, were it to do me good." Act I, scene iv Written: 1594 Written by Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) Synopsis: Edward I of England has died and his son has succeeded to the throne. Edward II, openly gay, has raised his low-born lover Piers Gaveston to power and caused the hatred of wife Isabella of France who has her own axes to grind. Power plays, manipulation and a particular nasty murder ensue. Characters: • Edward II, plotted-against King of England • Piers Gaveston, lover and low-born favorite of the King • Isabella of France, Edward's Queen, mother of Edward III and enormous bitch • Roger Mortimer, her lover and favorite • Edward III, son of Edward and Isabella, exists mainly as a vengeance device Musings: Possible Marlowe's last play, perfomed posthumously in 1594. The Text of the Play: Edward II Quotes Links: Buy the Play:

Marcus Stone, 1872 Edward II and Piers Gaveston Reviews Stratford Festival of Canada August 26, 2005

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