John Heywood Biography
| Occup. | Dramatist |
| From | England |
| Born | 1497 AC
Coventry, England |
| Died | 1580 AC
Mechelen (now Belgium) |
Early Life and Education
John Heywood was born around 1497, most likely in London, England. Although not much is learnt about his early life and the exact information of his family, it is normally accepted that he hailed from a household with close connections to the royal court.
Heywood received a well-rounded education for a young gentleman of his period and social standing. He went to Oxford University, where he studied the classics, rhetoric, reasoning, and religion. It is speculated that he may have been a trainee at the Broadgates Hall, which later on ended up being Pembroke College.
Profession
John Heywood was an English playwright, poet, musician, and performer, serving at the courts of King Henry VIII, Edward VI, Queen Mary I, and
Elizabeth I. He was mainly known for his work in the early days of the English Tudor drama, which is considered a precursor to the works of
William Shakespeare and
Christopher Marlowe.
Heywood's contributions to English drama were significant. He was one of the first playwrights to write using the English vernacular instead of Latin. This permitted his work to be available to a broader audience, which assisted cultivate the English drama scene.
Heywood's plays were mainly comedic in nature, using witty wordplay, humor, and satire to amuse and educate his audience. Some of his most widely known works consist of "The Play of the Weather", "The Four Ps", and "The Play of Love". These plays mainly focused on spiritual and moral themes, which were quite popular in the English courts in the 16th century.
In addition to his operate in the theater, Heywood also made up and carried out music. He frequently accompanied his efficiencies on the virginals, a keyboard instrument comparable to a harpsichord.
Personal Life and Relationships
John Heywood married into the royal court, weding Eliza Roper, granddaughter of Sir
Thomas More, the famous thinker and statesman who worked as Lord Chancellor to King Henry VIII. Sir
Thomas More was a buddy of Heywood's family and supported Heywood in his profession. This connection served him well in the context of the politically troubled Tudor court.
Heywood and Eliza Roper had several kids, including another playwright, Jasper Heywood, who became a prominent member of the Jesuit order. Heywood's other children served in numerous capacities throughout the English court.
Later On Life and Exile
John Heywood's career reached its peak throughout the reign of Queen Mary I. However, when
Elizabeth I rose to the throne in 1558, he discovered himself on the wrong side of the spiritual divide. Heywood, like a lot of his contemporaries, was a staunch Roman Catholic, while
Elizabeth I was bent on re-establishing Protestantism in England.
Heywood's rejection to renounce Catholicism and take the Oath of Supremacy required of Elizabeth's courtiers resulted in his termination from court and ultimate self-exile. Heywood left England and looked for refuge in the Spanish Netherlands, primarily in the city of Mechelen (now in contemporary Belgium). It was during this period of exile that Heywood continued writing, composing both spiritual and secular works.
John Heywood passed away around 1580, his specific death date stays unclear. His plays, although fairly short in comparison to later on works, marked a considerable advancement in the early history of English drama and supplied a foundation upon which the great playwrights of the Elizabethan period, such as
William Shakespeare and
Christopher Marlowe, would develop.
Legacy
John Heywood's plays and contributions to the early advancement of English drama have been acknowledged by scholars and studied in depth in the centuries that followed his death. His works represent a crucial milestone in the advancement of English theatrical productions and set the stage for the golden era of English drama during the Elizabethan period. Although much of his work has actually been eclipsed by the later accomplishments of his contemporaries, Heywood's wit, humor, and ability in using the English language to craft discussion and tell stories still resonates with modern-day audiences.
Our collection contains 10 quotes who is written / told by John, under the main topic
Birthday.
Related authors: William Shakespeare (Dramatist), Elizabeth I (Royalty), Christopher Marlowe (Dramatist), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete), Thomas More (Author), Christo (Artist)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: John Heywood uwm
A: UWM likely refers to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. There is no direct connection between John Heywood and UWM, but the university may have courses or resources related to his works and their historical context. - Q: John Heywood economics
A: John Heywood didn't contribute directly to economics but wrote many plays and interludes that provide insights into the social and political life of 16th-century England, which may indirectly shed light on the economic practices of the time. - Q: John Heywood rome wasn't built in a day
A: John Heywood is known for popularizing the proverb 'Rome wasn't built in a day,' which emphasizes the idea that great achievements take time.
Source / external links:
