Lucanic Irony in Marlowe's Tamburlaine

Author: Ward, Allyna E.¹

Source: The Modern Language Review, Volume 103, Number 2, 1 April 2008 , pp. 311-329(19)

Publisher: Modern Humanities Research Association

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Abstract:

This article shows how Marlowe departs from his primary historical sources (Mexía and Perondinus) in his retelling of the life of Tamburlaine. Marlowe employed the heavily ironic tone of Lucan's discussion of Julius Caesar's apparently `divine' barbarism in his characterization of tyranny, obedience, and rebellion in Tamburlaine. By applying Lucanic irony to the paradoxical discussions of tyranny and obedience that permeated late Tudor culture, Marlowe's tragedy subverts the de casibus form and raises questions about divine providence.

Keywords: Tamburlaine; Lucan; tyranny; obedience; rebellion; Lucanic irony; de casibus; divine providence

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Newcastle University

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