Edward II: Genre 1 key example

Edward II is generally categorized as a history play or as a tragedy, as the play combines elements of both genres. 

As a history play, Edward II portrays real events and figures from English history, primarily focusing on the reign and downfall of early-14th-century King Edward II. Like his contemporary playwright William Shakespeare, Marlowe draws upon Raphael Holinshed’s chronicles of medieval history in order to tell the story of an English King whose decisions and personal characteristics shaped the course of the nation’s history. Marlowe is not particularly concerned with historical accuracy in his dramatic adaptation of these events, and he alters his source materials in order to tell a compelling story that foregrounds the very different characters and temperaments of Edward II and his primary enemy Roger Mortimer.