Presented before Queen Elizabeth I on Candlemas Day (February 2nd) 1588,

(published 1591) has much in common with Lyly's three earlier comedies,

,

and

, also written for performance at court. As in the previous plays, the concern of the central action is an unattainable love, which initiates the exploration of a number of interrelated debate motifs (e.g. the conflicting claims of love and friendship / chastity and love). The play was designed, like its predecessors, for performance by a company of boys (in this instance the Children of St. Paul's), and exploits the youths' training as choristers and slightness of build through the inclusion of songs and a preponderance of female and juvenile roles. Like the earlier comedies, the play invites…

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Citation: Scragg, Leah. "Endymion". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 20 September 2002 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=5365, accessed 26 November 2024.]

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