Shakespeare s Twelfth Night, And Marlowe s The Tragical...

There are several differences in themes, writing styles, and conclusions found within historical British plays, in particularly the plays of Everyman, The Second Shepherds’ Play, Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and Marlowe’s The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus. These plays reflect many of their times’ heated topics and concerns. While the endings to each of these plays significantly contrast, the themes within each play fully prepare audiences for the ending to which will be further explained. Of these plays, Everyman and Doctor Faustus are perhaps the most similar, yet the most contrasting. While both appear to explore the subject of death, the act in which they come to their conclusions differ greatly. For instance, Everyman tries repeatedly to convince company to join him on his journey to death, while Faustus always has company attempting to persuade him away from his evil deal with Lucifer or vice versa. As they approach the ending, the stories become opposite as they were in the beginning. Everyman eventually finds his company, while Faustus must face the consequences of his deal with Lucifer all alone. The ending of Everyman leaves the audience with a peaceful feeling, knowing that they too can be accompanied at death by doing good deeds. However, The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus leaves the audience with a tragic, morbid ending as they watch him join Lucifer, alone and in despair, regretful of his deal. Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and The Second Shepherds’