Name the playwright who has written Gallathea?

Correct option is D

The playwright who wrote Gallathea is John Lyly. It is a court comedy that was first performed in 1584. The play tells the story of a young woman named Gallathea who is created by a sculptor named Pygmalion. Pygmalion falls in love with his creation, and she is eventually transformed into a real person. Gallathea is a complex and sophisticated play that explores themes such as love, art, and the nature of reality. It is also a very funny play, and it is full of witty dialogue and clever wordplay. Lyly's plays were also influential on the work of later playwrights, such as William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson. Gallathea is one of Lyly's most famous plays, and it is still performed today. It is a delightful and thought-provoking play that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

Explanation:
Gallathea is a pastoral comedy written by John Lyly, first performed in 1588. It is a notable example of Elizabethan drama, blending mythology, comedy, and gender exploration. The play is set in a fictional village where two girls, disguised as boys to avoid being sacrificed to Neptune, fall in love with each other. Lyly's work is celebrated for its intricate prose and innovative narrative techniques.

Information Booster:
John Lyly's Style: Known for "Euphuism," a highly ornate prose style, Lyly’s plays, including Gallathea, emphasize wit and linguistic complexity.
Themes of Gallathea: The play explores themes of love, identity, and gender fluidity, making it a forerunner in queer readings of literature.
Performance History: Likely performed before Queen Elizabeth I, the play reflects the aesthetic and intellectual sensibilities of the English Renaissance court. His court comedies were popularized by the Children of Paul's, a boys' acting company that performed at the Blackfriars Theatre
Influence: Lyly significantly influenced later playwrights, including Shakespeare, particularly in his use of romantic comedy and lyrical prose.

Additional Knowledge:
Robert Greene: A contemporary of Lyly, he wrote Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay and is remembered for his criticism of Shakespeare in Groatworth of Wit.
Thomas Lodge: Known for Rosalynde, a prose romance that inspired Shakespeare's As You Like It.
Thomas Nashe: An Elizabethan pamphleteer and dramatist, Nashe is best known for his play Summer’s Last Will and Testament.