Tamburlaine the Great

Definition

Tamburlaine the Great is a two-part play written by Christopher Marlowe, first performed in the 1580s, that follows the rise of the Scythian shepherd Tamburlaine as he becomes a powerful conqueror. The play is significant for its exploration of ambition, power, and the human condition, showcasing Marlowe's innovative use of blank verse and dramatic character development, which greatly influenced Renaissance drama.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tamburlaine is based on the historical figure Timur, who established a vast empire in the late 14th century and was known for his brutal military campaigns.
2. The play is notable for its grand themes of power and ambition, exploring how Tamburlaine's insatiable desire for conquest leads to both his rise and eventual downfall.
3. Marlowe's use of vivid imagery and powerful rhetoric in Tamburlaine significantly impacted the development of tragic heroes in later English drama.
4. The character of Tamburlaine embodies both a tyrant and a charismatic leader, challenging traditional notions of morality and heroism in Renaissance literature.
5. Tamburlaine the Great is considered one of the earliest examples of a history play that focuses on an anti-hero, paving the way for complex character portrayals in future dramatic works.

Review Questions

• How does Christopher Marlowe’s use of language in Tamburlaine the Great contribute to its themes of ambition and power?
  • Marlowe employs blank verse throughout Tamburlaine the Great, which allows for expressive dialogue that emphasizes the emotional intensity of characters' ambitions. The elevated language reflects Tamburlaine's larger-than-life persona and his relentless pursuit of power. The dramatic speeches not only showcase Marlowe’s poetic skill but also serve to deepen the exploration of themes such as desire, tyranny, and the consequences of unrestrained ambition.
• Discuss how Tamburlaine’s character challenges conventional notions of heroism within the context of Renaissance drama.
  • Tamburlaine is presented as an anti-hero who defies traditional moral standards, showcasing both charisma and brutality. Unlike typical heroes who embody noble virtues, he pursues personal glory at any cost, often resulting in destruction. This complex characterization invites audiences to grapple with questions about the nature of power and whether ambition justifies immoral actions, reflecting broader themes within Renaissance drama that explore human fallibility.
• Evaluate the impact of Tamburlaine the Great on subsequent works of drama during and after the Renaissance period.
  • Tamburlaine the Great had a profound influence on later playwrights by introducing dynamic characterizations and intricate explorations of ambition and morality. Its successful blending of history with psychological depth set new standards for character development in drama. Following Marlowe's example, writers such as Shakespeare began to create more complex protagonists whose flaws and aspirations resonate with audiences. This shift towards multi-dimensional characters helped to shape modern notions of tragedy and dramatic storytelling.

Related terms

Christopher Marlowe: An English playwright and poet of the Elizabethan era, known for his blank verse and influential works that paved the way for Shakespeare.

Blank Verse: Unrhymed iambic pentameter, a poetic form that became popular in English drama, allowing for a more natural flow of speech.

Renaissance Humanism: An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the value of human beings, individualism, and the study of classical texts.