Pastoral poetry is defined as poetry professing to portray the innocence of shepherd life, according to a specific literary convention. They range from love lyrics to lengthy dramatic works and elaborate elegies. Christopher Marlowe is considered to be the first great English dramatist before Shakespeare. He wrote the poem "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" in which the character expresses his true affection through his loving words, actions he will take, and complete dedication. Sir …showed first 75 words of 490 total…

…showed last 75 words of 490 total…Marlowe refers to the positive beginnings that spring brings with it as Raleigh reflected on the negative endings; cold and harsh like the winter wind. As one can see there are several similarities and differences in the two poems. In conclusion Raleigh and Marlowe were both very talented writers of the Early Renaissance period and laid a foundation for Shakespeare even though they were not as well known as he was and still is today.