“Tamburlaine the Great” is a two-part play by Christopher Marlowe, first performed in the late 1580s. It follows the rise of Tamburlaine, a low-born shepherd who ascends to become a ruthless and powerful conqueror. Fueled by ambition and a desire for absolute power, Tamburlaine leads his armies across Asia and the Middle East, defeating kings and emperors, and eventually declaring himself the “Scourge of God.”
In Part 1, Tamburlaine transforms from an outsider to a tyrant, defeating major leaders like the Persian emperor Mycetes and the Turkish Sultan. He wins the heart of Zenocrate, the daughter of the Egyptian king, and marries her.
Part 2 explores Tamburlaine’s later conquests and eventual decline. His relentless ambition, cruelty, and defiance of human and divine authority continue growing. However, his reign is marked by tragedy, including the death of Zenocrate and the loss of his human empathy. The play ends with Tamburlaine’s death, but not before he defies even mortality, commanding his troops to continue conquering after his death.
Important Lines from Tamburlaine the Great:
- “Nature, that framed us of four elements, Warring within our breasts for regiment, Doth teach us all to have aspiring minds.”
- This line reflects Tamburlaine’s belief in human ambition and his desire to conquer the world.
- “Is it not passing brave to be a king, And ride in triumph through Persepolis?”
- Tamburlaine’s ambition and thirst for power are evident in this iconic line.
- “For Tamburlaine, the scourge of God, must die.”
- Spoken towards the end of the play, highlighting the inevitability of death, even for a man as powerful as Tamburlaine.
- “I hold the Fates bound fast in iron chains, And with my hand turn Fortune’s wheel about.”
- This reflects Tamburlaine’s belief that he controls his own destiny and can bend fate to his will.
- “A god is not so glorious as a king: I think the pleasure they enjoy in heaven, Cannot compare with kingly joys in earth.”
- Tamburlaine compares kingship to godhood, emphasizing his belief in the absolute power of rulers.
Important Questions from Tamburlaine the Great:
- Discuss the theme of ambition in Tamburlaine the Great. How does Marlowe portray Tamburlaine’s rise to power?
- Explore how Tamburlaine’s ambition drives the plot and shapes his character arc throughout the play.
- How does Marlowe depict the contrast between Tamburlaine’s brutality and his moments of tenderness, particularly in his relationship with Zenocrate?
- Analyze how these contrasting aspects of Tamburlaine’s personality contribute to the complexity of his character.
- In what ways does Tamburlaine the Great reflect the Renaissance ideals of humanism and the “overreacher”?
- Examine Tamburlaine as a reflection of the Renaissance “overreacher,” a figure who attempts to surpass natural limits.
- How does Marlowe use imagery and symbolism to portray Tamburlaine’s power and ambition?
- Discuss Marlowe’s use of imagery like fire, the sun, and kingship to represent Tamburlaine’s overwhelming ambition.
- What role does fate play in Tamburlaine the Great? Is Tamburlaine’s success attributed to his own will or divine intervention?
- Debate the extent to which Tamburlaine’s rise and fall are the result of his own ambition versus predetermined fate.
- How does Marlowe address the concept of kingship and power in Tamburlaine the Great?
- Examine Tamburlaine’s perspective on kingship and how it clashes with the traditional ideals of rulers.